Kennedy Family Members Sue to Block President Trump’s 250-Foot Memorial Arch Near Arlington Cemetery
Nine members of the Kennedy family are seeking to block President Trump’s proposed 250-foot memorial arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing that the monument would interfere with historic views of their relatives’ gravesites.
The family members filed court papers Tuesday requesting permission to join existing lawsuits against the project, which the Trump administration has proposed as a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary and the nation’s military veterans.
The planned monument would stand at Memorial Circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Its design draws inspiration from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and features a towering arch topped with a winged figure.
Among those joining the legal challenge are Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy, Maxwell Kennedy, former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, and Edward Kennedy Jr. The plaintiffs are descendants of Robert F. Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy, both of whom are buried near President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite.
The relatives argue that the monument would obstruct views of the Kennedy gravesites and the Eternal Flame honoring President Kennedy. They also claim the structure would cast shadows over portions of the cemetery, permanently changing the experience for visitors.
The lawsuit further alleges that federal officials moved forward without obtaining necessary congressional authorization and failed to comply with laws protecting historic landmarks.
President Trump’s administration has defended the project as a patriotic tribute to American history and the service members buried at Arlington.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle criticized the legal opposition, maintaining that the monument is intended to honor American heroes rather than create political divisions. The administration has expressed confidence that the project will ultimately survive the court challenges.
The National Capital Planning Commission approved the monument’s design and location in an 8-4 vote on November 5, clearing a major administrative hurdle for construction.
However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan temporarily blocked construction shortly after that approval. The judge issued a 14-day order preventing work from beginning while the court considers legal challenges to the project.
The Kennedy family’s filing adds to lawsuits already brought by the District of Columbia, Virginia, several Vietnam War veterans, and a historic preservation advocate.
The proposed arch would stand more than twice as tall as the Lincoln Memorial, making it one of the most prominent monuments in the Washington area.
The administration has argued that the project would create a monumental entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and recognize the country’s military history during its 250th anniversary celebrations.
Federal officials have also disputed claims about the monument’s impact on nearby gravesites, maintaining that projected shadows would affect only limited portions of the cemetery for brief periods.
The legal challenge has created a divide involving one of America’s most prominent political families. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves in President Trump’s administration, is not among the relatives participating in the lawsuit.
For now, construction remains suspended under the federal court order. The judge must determine whether the administration can proceed while the lawsuits challenging the monument’s legality continue.
The outcome will determine whether President Trump’s proposed memorial can move forward or whether additional legal approvals and modifications will be required before construction begins.