The District of Columbia and Virginia sued in federal court Saturday to stop President Trump's proposed memorial arch, bringing to three the number of lawsuits seeking to halt the project as the administration says construction could begin as soon as next week, according to the Associated Press.
The lawsuits
The arch would rise 250 feet near the Potomac River bridge to Arlington National Cemetery, about 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty from base to torch. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is weighing a halt until a first suit, brought by three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian, is resolved. After a hearing Friday she said she would move expeditiously and asked what harm the government would suffer "apart from the executive's desire to bedazzle the city." An administration lawyer called the arch "absolutely a high priority project."
In the new suit, Attorneys General Brian Schwalb of D.C. and Jay Jones of Virginia argue construction would "inflict irreparable harm," snarling traffic on a major artery over three years, creating pollution and stormwater runoff in the Potomac and interfering with emergency services. They are seeking a temporary restraining order. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the arch will be "one of the most iconic landmarks" and a gateway to Arlington.
The plans
The administration told the court it would seek final approval at Thursday's National Capital Planning Commission meeting and might begin work the same day. A 106-page plan submitted Friday describes a structure over 12 stories high topped by a winged bronze Lady Liberty with an eternal flame, an observation deck, an "occupied roof," mezzanines, offices and a fire command center, and rerouted nearby roads.
Other Washington disputes
Judge Ana Reyes said she would open a formal inquiry into whether federal attorneys made misrepresentations in a case over the East Potomac golf course overhaul. Judge Christopher Cooper hears a motion Tuesday from Rep. Joyce Beatty seeking communications about plans to close the Kennedy Center for two years.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, Associated Press