Kennedy Relatives Seek to Block Trump’s Proposed Arch

Nine members of the Kennedy family have asked a federal judge to join lawsuits seeking to stop construction of President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing that it would obstruct views of family gravesites and change the memorial’s setting. Their motion, filed in federal court, adds the relatives to existing legal challenges against the project.

The family members say the arch would interfere with sightlines linking the Kennedy gravesites and Eternal Flame to the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House. They also argue that the structure could cast shadows over the graves and memorials. Those effects are allegations in the court filing, not findings established by the court.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has temporarily barred construction work through November 19 while she considers whether to issue a preliminary injunction. The order followed earlier litigation over the project. The judge’s next decision will determine whether the construction ban continues beyond the temporary order.

The nine relatives are children and grandchildren of Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy. The family’s filing argues that they have a particular...