Triumphal arch back in court after judge questions security need as DC and Virginia sue
WASHINGTON, DC: Washington, DC, and Virginia have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal arch, seeking to block the project from moving ahead. This is the latest legal challenge to his building projects in the capital.
The fresh lawsuit comes a day after a US district judge expressed skepticism toward the Trump administration’s push to break ground as early as November 5. The judge also questioned officials' explanation that the proposed arch is needed for national security.
DC and Virginia file lawsuit to block Triumphal arch
The District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia jointly sued the National Park Service and the Interior Department on Saturday, October 31, to block the 250-foot Triumphal arch planned near Arlington National Cemetery.
According to the new court filing, they argued that the project is unlawful, lacks congressional authorization, and violates the DC Height of Buildings Act and other historic preservation laws.
The plaintiffs called the project unlawful because the Trump administration didn’t seek Congress's permission to move forward.
“In their rush to break ground on the arch, Defendants have made only half-hearted gestures at complying with these requirements,” the lawsuit reads. “Perhaps recognizing that the project is legally indefensible, Defendants have made clear that they will attempt to outrun judicial review.”
Trump has reportedly moved forward to renovate Washington despite several lawsuits and lack of congressional authority.
One such renovation project is the White House ballroom, in which the Supreme Court ruled in the administration’s favor after Trump argued that the ballroom construction needed to continue for national security purposes.
The plaintiffs in Saturday’s lawsuit said they hope to avoid a similar situation with the arch.
“It is entirely foreseeable that, once construction begins, Defendants will argue — as they have done in other cases — that an order halting construction would irreparably harm the federal government, pose security risks, and impermissibly alter the status quo they have unilaterally created,” the lawsuit reads.
Judge questions officials' national security argument in the arch case
During an emergency hearing on October 30, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan questioned the administration’s push to begin construction as early as November 5.
The administration claimed that the 250-foot concrete-and-granite arch was needed for national security and anti-drone defense.
The claim was backed by sworn statements from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
However, Chutkan questioned how the arch could serve that purpose when it would take years to build and attract thousands of tourists every day.
The proposals for the arch at one point included military plans, as Trump said it would be used for snipers and drones, though the final plans submitted did not include the military complex.
Arlington County, Va, previously sued the Trump administration to block the arch in early October.
