Legal challenges are mounting against President Donald Trump's proposed memorial arch, with the District of Columbia and Virginia filing a lawsuit in federal court on Saturday. This adds to a total of three lawsuits seeking to halt construction of the monument, which the administration says could begin as early as next week.
The proposed triumphal arch would rise 250 feet on a patch of grass at Memorial Circle in Washington, off the bridge that spans the Potomac River connecting the city with Arlington National Cemetery. At this height, the structure would be 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty is from its base to the top of the torch.
Local governments have expressed fierce opposition to the project, citing fears of traffic disruption and the loss of historic views. This latest lawsuit adds to existing legal battles over the President's plans to remake Washington.
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkin has ordered both sides to talk and agree on a proposed briefing schedule regarding the motion for a temporary restraining order by Saturday evening.