Nine members of the Kennedy family are asking a federal judge to block U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed memorial arch, arguing the 76-metre structure would cast a shadow over their relatives’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

The relatives filed a motion Tuesday to intervene in two existing lawsuits challenging construction, according to Associated Press reporting published by CBC. Their request comes after U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan last week barred the administration from breaking ground for 14 days.

The family members argue that the proposed arch would “fundamentally alter the experience of visiting the gravesites.” Their lawyers described its effect as a “permanent denigration” of the memorials.

“The Arch would significantly damage the memorial to the Kennedys, as well as the heroes who eternally rest at Arlington National Cemetery,” the filing said.

The nine relatives are children and grandchildren of Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy, both former U.S. senators and brothers of assassinated president John F. Kennedy. Robert and Edward are buried near the eternal flame marking JFK’s gravesite. The three memorials are a major attraction for the millions of people who visit the cemetery each year.

The White House rejected the family’s criticism, saying the project is meant to honour those buried at Arlington.

“It is unfortunate to see that some members of the Kennedy family have joined the litigation against the Arch,” spokesperson Davis Ingle said. “The judiciary should not be abused to politicize a structure designed to unite our nation.”

The administration unveiled a website promoting the project last week. Plans call for a 250-foot arch decorated with gold ornamentation and grey granite between the Lincoln Memorial in Washington and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s health and human services secretary, did not join the legal action. The relatives seeking to intervene are represented by Washington lawyer Norm Eisen and Democracy Defenders Fund.

Sources