Kennedy family joins US lawsuits to block Trump’s ‘unlawful’ arch plan | Donald Trump News
Kennedy Family Seeks to Block Trump’s Triumphal Arch Construction Near Gravesites
Published November 11, 2026
The Kennedy family has initiated legal proceedings to prevent the construction of a 76-meter (250-foot) triumphal arch proposed by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The family contends that the arch would obscure the graves of prominent relatives, including former President John F. Kennedy, as well as the Eternal Flame commemorating him at Arlington National Cemetery.
On Tuesday, nine descendants of former Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy filed a motion to intervene in two ongoing federal lawsuits aimed at blocking the arch’s construction. The plaintiffs argue that the project would significantly alter the visitor experience at the gravesites, which attract millions of visitors annually.
The legal action is being spearheaded by veteran attorney Norm Eisen and the Democracy Defenders Fund, a center-left legal advocacy group. The complaint asserts that the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior authorized the construction of the granite and gold-ornamented arch—referred to as the “Arc de Trump” by critics—without the necessary congressional approval.
Additionally, the plaintiffs maintain that the arch would disrupt a historic line of sight between the Lincoln Memorial and the Arlington House, further diminishing the sanctity of the area.
This legal challenge adds to a growing list of plaintiffs opposing the monument, including Vietnam War veterans, historians, and the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Arlington County governments.
Last week, District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a temporary halt to construction, preventing the Trump administration from proceeding for an additional 14 days as legal challenges unfold.
In their filing, the Kennedy family articulated that construction of the arch would be a “permanent denigration” of the gravesites. They expressed concern that their family would no longer be able to honor the legacy of their ancestors in the same manner.
The arch is part of a broader initiative by Trump to reimagine various aspects of Washington, D.C., which also includes plans to renovate a historic golf course and the potential demolition of the Kennedy Center.
In light of the recent midterm elections, which resulted in a Democratic majority in Congress, these ambitious projects may face increased scrutiny.
Rory and Maxwell Kennedy, sons of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, emphasized that the legal action aims to “protect sacred spaces that belong to the American people.” They highlighted that many of their deceased relatives are among over 400,000 veterans and family members memorialized at Arlington.
Notably, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary and a Trump appointee, did not participate in the litigation and remains estranged from much of his family.
