Nine members of the Kennedy family sought to join a legal challenge on Tuesday, November 10, to President Trump's proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. In court filings, the relatives argued that the structure would obstruct views of the family's burial sites and the Eternal Flame that commemorates President John F. Kennedy.
The group includes children and grandchildren of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy. Both men are buried at Arlington, along with their brother, President Kennedy. The relatives contend that the arch would cast a permanent shadow over their family's graves and those of military personnel who died serving the country. They are seeking to intervene as plaintiffs from Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Several Vietnam War veterans are also suing the administration over the proposal.
In a joint statement, Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy said Arlington draws Americans from across the country who come to honor military service and sacrifice. They argued that a towering monument overshadowing the graves of their parents, uncles and others would also undermine democratic principles and protections established by elected representatives to preserve the cemetery for future generations.
The administration proposes building the arch in a traffic circle across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Officials say it would mark 250 years of American independence, and the administration had sought to begin construction as early as November. The proposal is among several construction initiatives in and around the capital that Trump has personally promoted.
Local officials, congressional Democrats, some veterans and others concerned about Arlington have opposed the project. Their objections include allegations that the administration failed to follow required legal procedures and concerns that the monument would interfere with views connecting the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
The National Capital Planning Commission, whose membership includes numerous Trump allies, approved the plans last week. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, however, barred construction-related work for 14 days, indicating that the proposal was likely unlawful. The plaintiffs have requested a longer-term injunction. The government maintains that the arch complies with the law and that the challengers lack standing to bring their case.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle said last week that the administration expected to prevail in court and looked forward to completing the monument as a tribute to the nation's 250-year history. CBS News sought comment from the Justice Department about the Kennedy family's involvement.
The dispute follows criticism from Kennedy relatives of Trump's efforts to attach his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Kerry Kennedy and Joe Kennedy III, who opposed that effort, are among those seeking to join the arch lawsuit. Kerry Kennedy's brother, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said earlier this year that he had no involvement in the proposed name change and had not advised against it.
