President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot “Great Triumphal Arch” at Memorial Circle in Washington, D.C., is facing a legal challenge from three Vietnam veterans and an architectural historian who argue the structure will block iconic historic views. The project, which the president stated would be the largest in the world, is intended to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. However, plaintiffs Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, and Jon Gundersen—alongside architectural historian Calder Loth—contend that the massive monument will obstruct uninterrupted sightlines between the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington House, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Legal Battle Over Memorial Circle Arch Authorization
The plaintiffs have asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order to halt the project, arguing that it cannot proceed without authorization from Congress. Nicolas Sansone, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group representing the plaintiffs, stated that two of the veteran plaintiffs hope to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, which currently serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military service members. According to Sansone, the capital was deliberately designed to preserve these historic views, and critics view the monumental addition as disrespectful to the solemn character of the cemetery.
Did You Know? The Trump administration cited a 1925 law that originally authorized a pair of 166-foot columns in Washington, D.C., which were never built, arguing that past congressional approval grandfathers the triumphal arch project.
Administration Plans and Preservation Concerns
Earlier this month, the administration announced that excavation work for the project would begin within the next two weeks. Yet, planning documents acknowledge the friction between the build and its surrounding environment. The National Park Service wrote in a planning document that the project will have “adverse effects on historic properties” and that “such adverse effects cannot be fully avoided while retaining the location-dependent purpose of the undertaking.” Opponents maintain that relying on a century-old law intended for a different design bypasses the proper democratic deliberative process for national monuments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is opposing the Triumphal Arch project in Washington, D.C.?
The project is being opposed by three Vietnam veterans—Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, and Jon Gundersen—alongside architectural historian Calder Loth, represented by the Public Citizen Litigation Group.
What are the primary concerns raised by the plaintiffs against the arch?
According to their attorney, the plaintiffs are concerned that the 250-foot structure will block historic, uninterrupted views between the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington House, and Arlington National Cemetery, disrupting the capital’s deliberate design.
What legal justification does the administration cite for the project?
The administration has cited a 1925 law that originally authorized a pair of unbuilt 166-foot columns in Washington, D.C., arguing that past congressional approval grandfathers the triumphal arch project without needing authorization from Congress.
How do you think the federal court should weigh historical views against presidential monument proposals?