November 11, 2026
Family says the 250-foot arch would cast shadows over the Kennedy gravesites and break preservation law
Nine members of the Kennedy family asked a federal court Tuesday to let them join the legal fight against President Donald Trump’s planned “Triumphal Arch” near Arlington National Cemetery.
The proposed plaintiffs are Rory, Maxwell, Christopher, Kerry, Courtney and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Joseph P. Kennedy II, all children of Robert and Ethel Kennedy. They are joined by Joseph P. Kennedy III and Edward M. Kennedy Jr. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of Trump’s administration, is not among them.
In the filing, the family argues the 250-foot structure would block the view of the Kennedy gravesites and the Eternal Flame from Arlington Memorial Bridge, a sightline they say the family specifically chose. They say it would “permanently cast shadows” over the graves of their relatives and of others buried at the cemetery.
Rory and Maxwell Kennedy said in a joint statement that an arch shadowing their parents’ graves “would also cast a shadow over our democratic principles.” They said the president has violated laws and procedures Congress created to protect the memorial.
The family’s motion joins existing suits brought by Washington, D.C., Virginia, and a group of Vietnam War veterans. Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the consolidated cases, ordered the administration to say whether it opposes the family’s request. She has not yet ruled on it.
Last Thursday, Chutkan issued a 14-day temporary restraining order barring construction or site preparation, shortly after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle said it was unfortunate that some Kennedy family members had joined the litigation, since the project is meant to honor the heroes buried at Arlington. Trump has said the arch would house drones and snipers.
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