Kennedy Family Opposes Trump’s Arch Near Arlington

Members of the Kennedy family are challenging President Trump’s plan to construct a large triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Nine family members, including descendants of Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, argue the 250-foot arch would obstruct views of the Kennedy gravesites and the ‘Eternal Flame’ commemorating John F. Kennedy. The burial sites of the Kennedy brothers are located at Arlington.

The family asserts that the project would ‘permanently cast a shadow over the graves of servicemen and women who sacrificed for the country, including the Kennedy gravesites.’ They have sought to join a lawsuit, along with the city of Washington, D.C., and the Commonwealth of Virginia, against the arch. Several Vietnam War veterans are also part of the legal opposition.

‘Americans from every corner of the country visit Arlington to honor those who served and sacrificed for our nation,’ Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy have stated. They believe that the arch ‘would also cast a shadow over our democratic principles.’

The proposed arch, planned for a location across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, is part of several construction projects championed by Trump. His administration claims the arch celebrates 250 years of American independence, with hopes to begin construction shortly.

Local officials, Democrats, and some veterans oppose the project, citing legal and visual concerns with Arlington Cemetery. They argue that appropriate legal procedures were not followed, and the arch would block views of the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The National Capital Planning Commission, with Trump supporters, approved the arch, but U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has paused construction for 14 days, considering it possibly illegal. An extended injunction is being sought by the plaintiffs.

The government claims the arch complies with legal standards and argues the plaintiffs lack standing. White House spokesman Davis Ingle expressed confidence in the project, describing the arch as a tribute to ‘250 years of American greatness.’

Several Kennedy family members have previously criticized Trump’s architectural projects in D.C., including attempts to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Kerry Kennedy and Joe Kennedy III, related to the center’s namesake, have also joined the lawsuit against the arch.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kerry’s brother, has distanced himself from the naming issue at the performing arts center. ‘I have bigger fish to fry,’ he remarked when questioned about family disagreements.