A group of Vietnam veterans has filed for a temporary restraining order to block progress on a 250-foot triumphal arch planned by the Trump administration in Washington, D.C. The plaintiffs, veterans Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, and Jon Gundersen, along with architectural historian Calder Loth, argue that the arch would disrupt sightlines between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The arch, which is slated to go up at Memorial Circle, across the Potomac River, in Arlington, Virginia, has not received congressional approval and is intended to be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
In a response, the Trump administration argues that the new activity will be ‘long-disclosed Phase 1B archaeological survey work’ to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. However, the plaintiffs contend that the activity is unlawful and violates the court’s April order, citing the lack of authorization from Congress. The veterans first filed suit in February against Trump, Vince Haley, and the National Park Service, aiming to stop progress on the project. They dismissed their motion in April in exchange for assurances that NPS would not authorize construction without posting a notice online and providing at least 14 days’ notice before beginning construction or demolition.
The planning of the District of Columbia has been subject to great deliberation since its founding in the late 18th century. This project is just the latest in a series of controversial changes to the capital city initiated by the Trump administration, including gilding monuments, naming buildings after the president, and removing sculptures without permission. Most dramatically, the administration razed the East Wing of the White House last October to make way for a massive ballroom-cum-military bunker, which preservationists say would be out of proportion with the rest of the building. However, the Supreme Court ruled that construction could go ahead, stating that the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which brought suit against the administration, did not have standing.
