Kennedy Family Takes Legal Action Against Trump to Block 250-Foot Triumphal Arch

The legal challenge was filed Tuesday in federal court, with nine descendants of former U.S. senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy seeking permission to join two existing lawsuits opposing the proposed monument.

The family argues that the construction would permanently affect the historic landscape surrounding Arlington National Cemetery and interfere with important views of the Kennedy family gravesites.

According to the court filing, the proposed structure could cast shadows over the burial sites of former President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy and thousands of other American service members.

Where Will the Monument Be Built?

The proposed arch is planned for Memorial Circle, near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Standing approximately 250 feet (76 meters) tall, the structure would be more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial.

What Will the Arch Look Like?

According to the proposed designs, the monument will feature a combination of granite construction and extensive gold decorations.

The design includes a 60-foot-tall golden winged female figure holding a flame, along with large golden eagles positioned on either side of the structure.

The project has attracted criticism from opponents, with some referring to it as the "Arc de Trump."

Why Is the Kennedy Family Opposing the Project?

The Kennedy family says the monument would significantly alter the historic surroundings of their relatives' gravesites.

They are particularly concerned that the structure could obstruct the view of President John F. Kennedy's Eternal Flame from Arlington Memorial Bridge.

The family also argues that the project would interfere with the historic visual connection between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, a landscape designed to symbolize national reconciliation following the American Civil War.

Nine family members involved in the legal action include Kerry Kennedy and other children and grandchildren of Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy.

Notably, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as President Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary, has not joined the legal challenge.

Court Temporarily Halts Construction

The proposed monument is already facing multiple legal challenges.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has temporarily prohibited the Trump administration from beginning construction-related activities while the court reviews the legal disputes.

The temporary restriction is part of a broader legal battle involving the District of Columbia, Virginia, Arlington County, Vietnam War veterans and historic preservation advocates.

The Kennedy family is now seeking to become part of the existing litigation.

The Trump administration maintains that the project has a legal foundation in congressional authorization dating back to 1925. However, opponents argue that the earlier authorization does not provide sufficient legal authority for the proposed 250-foot monument.

The court has yet to make a final decision on the Kennedy family's request or the future of the project.

The legal dispute has developed into a significant controversy over historic preservation, presidential authority and the future appearance of the American capital.