States Sue to Block Planned 250-Foot Arch

Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued the Trump administration to block its proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. They argue the project lacks congressional authorization, exceeds the capital’s 130-foot height limit and bypasses required environmental, historic-preservation and public-review procedures; they also warn it could snarl traffic, disrupt emergency services and harm the Potomac River. The suit adds to a separate case brought by Vietnam War veterans and a preservationist, who argue the arch could disrupt important views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery; the administration disputes their standing. At a hearing in that case, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan questioned the administration’s national-security rationale and the urgency of the project, and said she would rule expeditiously on whether to halt construction. A federal review panel is expected to consider the project on November 5, and work could potentially begin as soon as then if the court does not intervene.