WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Vietnam War veterans and a historian filed suit Thursday seeking to halt President Donald Trump’s proposed “Independence Arch,” arguing the monument cannot move forward without congressional approval.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, contends the planned structure, potentially rising 250 feet between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, violates the Commemorative Works Act and other federal statutes requiring legislative authorization and formal review.
Plaintiffs Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, Jon Gundersen and historian Calder Loth argue the arch would obstruct the historic line of sight between Arlington and the Lincoln Memorial, a symbolic axis intended to represent national unity after the Civil War. Court filings state the monument would “block historically significant reciprocal views” that have existed for nearly a century.
The suit also raises concerns about aviation safety, alleging the height of the structure could pose risks to air traffic near Reagan National Airport. Plaintiffs claim no required notice has been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration’s obstruction review system.
Trump has framed the arch as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration, saying he hopes it will be “the biggest one of all.” The court will determine whether the project can proceed without congressional action.
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