Kennedy family sues to block Trump arch saying it will leave JFK flame in shadows

Kennedy relatives join lawsuit

The nine family members joined litigation brought by Virginia and Washington, D.C., which seeks to halt construction of the arch. Their court filing says the project would loom over family graves and obstruct the view of the flame at JFK’s burial site.

Seven of the relatives are children of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, and Joe Kennedy, their grandson, is also listed. Edward Kennedy Jr., son of Ted Kennedy, is the ninth; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary and a Trump ally, is not named.

Judge pauses construction

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a 14-day halt to construction last week. She is now considering whether to extend the pause. The ruling followed an 8-4 vote by the National Capital Planning Commission in favor of the project. The arch, planned at 250 feet, has drawn controversy over its proposed design, which includes gold ornamentation and large bird statues.

Family and White House respond

The Kennedy family said its members joined the case to protect the historic site and uphold the rule of law and separation of powers. The family’s statement described the arch as illegal interference with Arlington National Cemetery.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle criticized the family’s decision, saying the project is meant to honor those buried at Arlington. He also argued that the courts should not be used to politicize a structure intended to bring the country together.

Other disputes in Washington

The arch is among several construction and renovation efforts undertaken by the Trump administration in the nation’s capital. Some of those projects involve places connected to the Kennedy family.