Trump’s arch could break ground without federal approval : NPR

Key Points:

• The Trump administration plans to begin excavation for a controversial 250-foot arch near Washington, D.C.'s National Mall without key approvals, despite ongoing lawsuits and required federal reviews for aviation safety and historic preservation.
• The arch, intended to honor the nation's 250th anniversary, faces strong opposition from historic preservation experts, veterans, and lawmakers who argue it disrupts the symbolic view between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial and violates height restrictions.
• A lawsuit led by Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian seeks to halt construction, arguing the arch desecrates Arlington National Cemetery and requires congressional approval, which the administration disputes.
• The administration filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling on a separate White House ballroom case, but opponents contend the ruling strengthens their case due to the plaintiffs' personal connection to the site.
• Critics, including Rep. Don Beyer, warn the project is politically motivated ahead of midterm elections, with potential for massive protests and legal battles as the administration pushes forward despite unresolved legal and regulatory hurdles.