Kennedy family sues to block Trump's 250-foot arch

Kennedy family joins arch fight

Nine members of the Kennedy family filed suit in federal court on Tuesday to block the 250-foot structure, saying it would obstruct their relatives' gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.

Who is suing

The plaintiffs include children of Senator Robert F.Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy and a son of Senator Edward M.Kennedy, all three buried at Arlington.Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Junior did not join them.

Kennedy family's core argument

The Kennedys say the arch would cast shadows across their relatives' graves, including the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, and would denigrate Arlington as a hallowed ground protected by elected representatives.

“A towering arch casting shadows across the graves of our father, mother, and uncles, as well as the graves of so many who have served our country, would also cast a shadow over our democratic principles.”

White House response

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told NPR the project is intended to honour heroes at Arlington and said the administration is confident it will be vindicated as litigation proceeds.

The arch received final approval

The National Capital Planning Commission gave final approval to the arch on Thursday. The Trump administration had said it could break ground in Memorial Circle that same day.

Judge blocks construction

Within moments of the late-night approval, District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan issued an order blocking construction for two weeks while she evaluates the broader legal challenges.

The legality question

One main argument against the arch is that its construction is unlawful without congressional approval, which the Trump administration has not sought. Judge Chutkan wrote that merely stating the administration's argument reveals its flaws.

Why JFK's grave matters

Arlington National Cemetery says JFK's gravesite is one of its two most-visited locations, along with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The family chose Arlington so his grave would be accessible to the public.

Kennedy's favourite vista

President Kennedy visited the cemetery and stood where he is now buried. The Kennedys wrote that the vista looking back toward the District from his grave was one of his favourites.

“I could stay here forever.”

The eternal flame since 1963

JFK's gravesite is topped with an eternal flame that has burned since his funeral in November 1963.The grave was intentionally placed on the same axis as the bridge connecting Arlington House to the Lincoln Memorial.

Shadow analysis shows impact

A forensic analysis by the Washington Post shows the arch would cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves.

Morning visits would be affected

The Kennedys said they often visit their family's graves in the morning for extra privacy, exactly when the Post analysis found shadows would be most pronounced.

Veterans oppose the arch

Many veterans and their family members have spoken out against the arch at protests, in tens of thousands of written comments, and over nearly nine impassioned hours of public testimony during last Thursday's planning commission…

Military general warns of security risk

Retired U.S.Army Brigadier General Steven Anderson filed a declaration arguing the arch would endanger national security.

Supreme Court likely to decide

Democrats have vowed to use their forthcoming congressional majority to block Trump's construction projects.But experts told NPR that given Trump's veto power, the future of the arch will likely be decided by the Supreme Court.