From Fox News · Louis Casiano · · 1m 10s
Trump Arch Blocks Veteran Sightlines
Veterans challenge Trump's 250-foot arch over historic cemetery views.
In brief
Veterans challenge Trump's 250-foot arch over historic cemetery views. Three Vietnam veterans and an architectural historian argue Trump's proposed 250-foot arch at Arlington National Cemetery disrupts historic sightlines they cherish for burial. Originally reported by Fox News.
Veterans challenge Trump's arch
Three Vietnam veterans and architectural historian Calder Loth argue President Trump's proposed 250-foot arch at Memorial Circle disrupts historic sightlines between Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
“Our plaintiffs are three Vietnam veterans and an architectural historian. All of them have a deep personal relationship with Arlington National Cemetery.”
Architectural concerns
The arch threatens to block views between Lincoln Memorial on the Potomac River and Arlington House, Robert E. Lee Memorial, which veterans say they cherish for burial.
“One of the sort of central design features is that the capital has been laid out in a very deliberate way to create this uninterrupted view between the Lincoln Memorial on the east side of the Potomac River and Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial, on the west side in Arlington National Cemetery.”
Legal battle underway
Veterans and historian have filed a federal lawsuit claiming the arch lacks required congressional authorization to proceed without legal approval.
“The plaintiffs have asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order to keep the project from moving forward, saying it can't be built without authorization from Congress.”
Administration's defense
Trump administration cites a 1925 law that authorized past columns but argues the arch project is grandfathered under existing congressional approval.
“The idea is that really it's just an institutional question of who gets to decide: Is it one person, the person sitting in the White House, or should it be a sort of democratic deliberative process to sort out what these monuments should look like, where they should be situated, what they should commemorate, and the like.”
Historic view threatened
The arch could obstruct views that veterans say are historically significant for their burial plans at Arlington National Cemetery.
“Two of our veteran plaintiffs hope to be buried there.”
Project timeline
Excavation work for the arch begins within two weeks, despite legal challenges over historic sightlines and congressional mandate requirements.
“Earlier this month, the administration announced that excavation work for the project would begin within the next two weeks.”
What matters most
Three Vietnam veterans and an architectural historian argue Trump's proposed 250-foot arch at Arlington National Cemetery disrupts historic sightlines they cherish for burial.
