Over Arlington graves, Kennedy family members join lawsuit to block Trump triumphal arch

Kennedy relatives oppose the arch

Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy said in a statement that visitors come to Arlington to honor people who served and sacrificed for the country. They also said the arch could shade the graves of their parents and uncles and undermine protections for the cemetery.

Dispute over the approval process

Local officials, congressional Democrats, some veterans and others with ties to Arlington have opposed the project. They contend the Trump administration failed to follow proper legal procedures and warn the arch would block sightlines between the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

The National Capital Planning Commission, described as stacked with Trump allies, approved the plans last week. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan then barred the government for 14 days from undertaking any construction-related activity, finding the plan likely illegal.

Plaintiffs seek longer injunction

The plaintiffs have asked the court to extend the injunction. The temporary order prevents construction-related activity while the legal challenge continues. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the administration expects to be vindicated in the case and looks forward to the arch’s completion. He called it a tribute to 250 years of American greatness.

Other Kennedy family criticism

Kennedy family members have also criticized Trump’s architectural changes in the Washington, D.C., area, including efforts to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Kerry Kennedy and Joe Kennedy III, the niece and grandnephew of the center’s namesake, are seeking to join the arch lawsuit as plaintiffs. Asked about criticism from relatives, Trump said he understood it but had bigger fish to fry.