Nine Kennedy family members seek to block Trump’s arch, citing its impact on the graves at Arlington

Nine members of the Kennedy family asked a federal judge on Tuesday to block President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 76-meter memorial arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The relatives argue that the structure would cast a shadow over the family’s graves and obstruct the view of the memorial complex dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.

The request was filed as part of two existing lawsuits challenging the construction. Attorneys stated that the shadow would fundamentally alter the experience of visiting the graves and would constitute a “permanent denigration” of them. The nine plaintiffs are children and grandchildren of former Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy, JFK’s brothers, who are buried near the eternal flame at the grave of the assassinated president.

Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan barred the Trump administration last week from beginning work for 14 days. The White House defended the project, arguing that it is intended to honor the nation’s heroes and unite Americans. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s Secretary of Health, did not join the lawsuit.

The arch, presented by the White House through a dedicated website, would combine gold ornamentation and gray granite. The project is part of Trump’s plans to remodel the capital, alongside other controversial initiatives.