Democrats file court brief against Trump’s arch

They argue Congress needs to sign off on the proposed monument.

March 10, 2026

Several leading congressional Democrats overseeing park and public land issues are urging a federal judge to declare President Donald Trump’s plan to build an archway in the Washington area a violation of federal law.

Maine independent Sen. Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats, and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) filed a friend of the court brief Friday in litigation pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A coalition of Vietnam veterans has sued the administration over the proposed arch.

"This is a straightforward example of checks and balances, and an exercise of Congressional authority — the Commemorative Works Act could not be clearer: any structure on grounds like this must be approved by Congress on behalf of the American people,” King said in a statement.

"Whether it is an arch, an obelisk, a ballroom, or a statue, this is a decision that cannot be made unilaterally when it is on public lands and protected by statute," the senator said.

King is ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Huffman serves as ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Also joining the brief were Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) and Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.).

White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the arch, a 250-foot monument meant to commemorate this year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Democrats are opposed to anything that celebrates the greatness of our Country because they are America Last losers,” Ingle said in a statement, a reference to the White House’s “America First” motto.

Ingle said the arch “will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250-year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today.”

Trump is proposing to build the monument, dubbed the Independence Arch, in a traffic circle across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The grassy plot of land is among those requiring congressional approval for development under the Commemorative Works Act.

The Vietnam veterans group sued the White House over the arch last month, arguing the administration had failed to consult Congress. They also worry about the arch overshadowing Arlington National Cemetery.


By:  Heather Richards
Source: E&E Daily