Kennedys sue to block Trump’s arch, arguing it would cast shadow on JFK’s grave

The Kennedy family argues the structure “will permanently cast shadows over and damage historically significant sightlines to the existing gravesites and memorials established in the Kennedy family’s honor” at the cemetery.

The structure would also “fundamentally alter the experience of visiting the gravesites”, including the memorials of hundreds of thousands of US veterans, the Kennedys said.

The complaint said that the National Park Service and Interior Department authorised construction on 5 November 2026 without the necessary congressional approval.

The so-called Arc de Trump is one of the president’s efforts to remake the capital city and is meant to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.

Last year, he also added his name to the Kennedy Center, a major Washington DC cultural institution named in honour of JFK.

Trump’s name remained on the facade for six months until the addition was ruled illegal and removed.