Trump’s Arch Faces New Legal Challenge From Virginia and D.C.

The District of Columbia and Virginia on Saturday sued the Trump administration to block construction of the president’s planned 250-foot arch, which he wants to begin building as early as next week.

“This project is flagrantly unlawful,” the lawsuit states.

The suit accuses the Trump administration of violating the Commemorative Works Act and a section of federal law that requires the federal government to obtain specific congressional authorization before building a monument on federal land in Washington.

The plaintiffs cite the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, which require a process of consultation and considering alternatives before rushing forward with the project. The suit also says plans for the arch violate the Height of Buildings Act, which with limited exceptions prohibits structures taller than 130 feet in the capital.

“In their rush to break ground on the arch, defendants have made only half-hearted gestures at complying with these requirements,” the suit states. “Perhaps recognizing that the project is legally indefensible, defendants have made clear that they will attempt to outrun judicial review.”

The suit was filed by Jay Jones, Virginia’s attorney general, and Brian L. Schwalb, Washington’s attorney general.

It is one of several challenging the legality of President Trump’s arch, which the president has said is for himself but top administration officials now also claim is necessary for national security.