Veterans Sue Trump Administration Over Proposed Triumphal Arch

Shaun Byrnes, 83, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War, arrived for an interview near Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on Monday, June 8, 2026. Public Citizen, representing Byrnes and other veterans, is taking legal action against the Trump administration to halt the construction of the proposed Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle.

Some of the strongest resistance to President Trump’s planned triumphal arch comes from veterans and their supporters. The 250-foot structure would be built near the main entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 service members and their families. The Trump administration claims that the arch’s purpose is to “celebrate the triumphs of the American people, inspire patriotism and love of country, and beautify our nation’s capital.” Critics, however, label the arch as a “vanity project” that would interfere with traffic and disrupt the symbolic view between the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

The administration insists it does not need congressional approval, despite detractors and Democratic lawmakers arguing otherwise. A group, including three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian, filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s claim. Shaun Byrnes, one of the veterans involved, expressed his opposition during an interview with NPR, stating, “There are other important monuments to our best presidents in Washington…constructed not at the direction of those great men but after they had passed away.” His sentiment is also rooted in personal losses, both buried and unburied in Arlington.

Byrnes, who served four years in Vietnam, recalls a harrowing day of heavy firing where he narrowly escaped death, suffering severe burns. His service extended to 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, with a significant period in the Soviet Union. Although he identifies as politically moderate, Byrnes stated, “I’m a loyal citizen. I love my country.” He never imagined suing his government.

The lawsuit, joined by veterans Jon Gundersen and Michael Lemmon and architectural historian Calder Loth, argues that the project needs congressional authorization as required by the Commemorative Works Act and Title 40 of the U.S. Code. Public Citizen’s lead attorney, Nicolas Sansone, emphasized that a monument typically requires an act of Congress to ensure proper representation and interests.

The Trump administration countered, claiming congressional approval was granted in 1925 for a similar project that was never completed. Sansone warned that such a precedent could allow unrestricted alterations to existing monuments. The administration has promised a 14-day notice before beginning construction, allowing plaintiffs to seek urgent legal intervention. Meanwhile, federal feedback agencies, packed with Trump appointees, have already given partial approval to the project.

The National Park Service is now reviewing public comments on the arch with a deadline of June 15. The proposed construction timeline spans two to three years, potentially altering the historic landscape irreversibly. Sansone noted that presidential unilateralism in reshaping the capital’s monumental core poses significant challenges.

Evan Cash, the sole dissenting vote in a recent National Capital Planning Commission meeting, criticized the lack of congressional approval. He urged the administration to provide clarity and authorization before proceeding.

Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with nearly 1,700 online comments submitted before a commission meeting. Many commenters have expressed concerns about the arch, viewing it as disrespectful and unnecessary. Stephen Eubank condemned it as “a monumental disgrace.” The arch’s purpose remains ambiguous, with lead architect Nicolas Charbonneau describing it as a tribute to the nation’s perseverance rather than the deceased.

Veterans like Jimi Shaughnessy expressed dissatisfaction, questioning the arch’s intent. He emphasized that service members need careful reception and respect upon their final transition to rest. Shaughnessy urged Trump to restore funding cut from agencies supporting veterans.

Major veterans’ groups have remained silent on the issue. Arlington National Cemetery has deferred inquiries to the Department of the Interior, which claims the arch will enhance the visitor experience and serve as a reminder of American sacrifices.