Kennedy family sues to stop new arch

The Kennedy family has filed a federal lawsuit to stop the construction of a new triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.

Nine members of the family claim the structure would disrupt the view of their relatives' gravesites. They argue the project lacks proper congressional authorization. The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt the administration's plans.

The proposed arch is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It would feature a winged figure resembling Lady Liberty at the top. Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy spoke for the family in a statement. They warned that the arch would cast shadows over the burial places of their parents and uncles. The family stated that the consequences for the memorials could be permanent.

The complaint notes that President John F Kennedy, Senator Edward Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Ethel Kennedy are buried at the site. The legal team also cited the visual connection between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House. They argue that the arch would interrupt a line of sight designed to symbolize national reunification after the Civil War. The family said the structure would undermine democratic safeguards established to preserve the site.

The core of the legal challenge is the approval process. The plaintiffs allege that the National Park Service and the US interior department authorized construction without Congress. They want a judge to overturn that approval. The family described the action as a way to protect sacred spaces that belong to the American people.

The lawsuit joins existing legal barriers for the project. On November 6, US district judge Tanya Chutkan blocked the administration from starting work for 14 days. The justice department recently said the arch would not be finished before Donald Trump's second term ends. Trump has described the arch as a future military complex with space for drones and ammunition. He also mentioned customized sniper facilities on the roof and plaza.

The arch is one of several Washington projects pursued by the president. Other initiatives include a renovation of a public golf course and a threat to demolish the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Congressional scrutiny of these plans may increase following Democrats' gain of control of Congress.