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. 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. Schwalb, Washington’s attorney general. It is one of several challenging the legality of Mr.
Trump’s arch, which the president has said is for himself but top administration officials now also claim is necessary for national security. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
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