The Kennedy family members are seeking to join a consolidated lawsuit alongside local jurisdictions, veterans, and an architectural historian who assert the project lacks required congressional authorization. In defense of the monument, the White House maintains the design honors fallen service members and derives legitimacy from a century-old plan calling for columns at the location. Meanwhile, District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan has temporarily halted construction work at Memorial Circle to assess the escalating claims.
Key points
The Kennedys have aligned with local governments and veterans groups alleging the adminis…: The Kennedys have aligned with local governments and veterans groups alleging the administration is pursuing the monument without congressional approval.
District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a two-week construction freeze at Memorial Cir…: District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered a two-week construction freeze at Memorial Circle following final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
The administration maintains the monument is legally authorized under a century-old plan…: The administration maintains the monument is legally authorized under a century-old plan honoring fallen heroes while challenging the plaintiffs' standing to sue.
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One of America's most prominent political dynasties has waded into the growing fight against President Trump's proposed arch in Washington, D.C.
Nine members of the Kennedy family filed suit in federal court on Tuesday to block the 250-foot structure, saying it would obstruct their relatives' gravesites — including the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame — at nearby Arlington National Cemetery.
A towering arch casting shadows across the graves of our father, mother, and uncles, as well as the graves of so many who have served our country, would also cast a shadow over our democratic principles, undermining the safeguards established by our elected representatives to protect this hallowed ground for generations to come," Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy said in a statement on behalf of the family.
The plaintiffs include children of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy and a son of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, all three of whom are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. There is one noticeable absence: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., did not join his siblings in the lawsuit against…
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