D.C., Virginia sue to block Trump's proposed arch

Governments seek an immediate court order

Washington, D.C., and Virginia filed a joint federal lawsuit Saturday seeking to block construction of President Donald Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch. The lawsuit asks for a temporary restraining order, which would prevent work from starting while the legal dispute proceeds.

The two governments argue that the project is unlawful without authorization from Congress. They say construction would cause immediate harm through traffic disruptions, environmental damage, security concerns and complications for emergency planning.

The Trump administration had not commented on the new filing. It has indicated in court that construction could begin if the National Capital Planning Commission approves the design.

Planning commission vote approaches

The commission is scheduled to take a final vote on the arch’s design Thursday. The Interior Department submitted final plans earlier in October, including updated traffic and lighting plans.

The proposal places the arch at Memorial Circle, a busy traffic area near the foot of Memorial Bridge. The design calls for a structure about 25 stories tall, topped by a gold-colored winged figure resembling the Statue of Liberty. The figure would hold a torch featuring an “eternal flame” intended to remain visible from different directions, including at night.

Trump has said the structure would also serve as a drone port and a storage site for ammunition. The secretaries of defense and homeland security filed sworn statements supporting the administration’s argument that the project is needed for national security.

A separate lawsuit filed by Vietnam-era veterans argues that the arch would harm visits to Arlington National Cemetery. The new case from D.C. and Virginia adds claims involving regional traffic, the environment, security and emergency preparations ahead of the commission’s scheduled vote.