Will Trump's proposed 250-foot arch cast a shadow over JFK's grave? Photos show what's at stake

Trump's proposed 250-foot monument, inspired by Paris's Arc de Triomphe, is planned for Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. The project is intended to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, but its size and location have drawn legal challenges.

JFK's eternal flame has marked his resting place since 1963. Nine Kennedy family members have sought to join litigation against Trump's arch, arguing that the proposed structure would obstruct historic views of the gravesites and cast shadows across the memorial area.

A Washington Post analysis estimated that the proposed arch would briefly shade JFK's eternal flame on 18 days each year and his memorial on 50 days. Its shadow could reach other Arlington burial sites on 284 days annually. The Interior Department has disputed the extent of the impact, saying its modeling found a smaller affected area and shorter periods of shade.

On November 10, nine members of the Kennedy family sought to join lawsuits challenging Trump's proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Among them were Rory Kennedy, the youngest daughter of Robert F Kennedy, and Maxwell Kennedy, another son of Robert F Kennedy. The relatives argue that the 250-foot monument could disrupt historic views and cast shadows over the graves of JFK and other family members, threatening the cemetery's historic setting.

A federal judge temporarily barred construction from beginning while legal challenges proceed. The White House maintains that the arch would honor American history and military service, while opponents question its impact on Arlington's gravesites and protected views. The project's future now depends in part on the ongoing court proceedings.