DC, Virginia file suit to block construction on Trump's proposed arch

Washington D.C. and Virginia have filed a lawsuit to prevent the construction of President Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch. The two regional governments argue that the arch is "frankly unlawful" and "legally indefensible" without congressional authorization. The lawsuit, filed jointly on Saturday, claims that construction could begin as early as next week, causing irreparable damage such as traffic disruptions, environmental degradation, and threats to security and emergency preparations.

The National Capital Planning Commission is set to approve the arch's design on Thursday, but the two governments argue that they have indisputable standing to file the suit due to the impacts on their residents. The Trump administration has previously claimed that the arch would serve as a drone port and a storehouse for ammunition, and sworn declarations by the secretaries of defense and homeland security support this argument.

The Interior Department has submitted final plans for the proposed arch, which features a golden winged statue resembling the Statue of Liberty on top of the 25-story-tall arch.