Vietnam Vet Sues Trump Over Massive Arch Project

Veterans Challenge Trump’s Proposed 250-Foot Arch Near Arlington

A group of veterans and a historian are taking legal action against a proposed 250-foot arch project in Washington, D.C., which they argue is a vanity project that disrespects national monuments and the sacrifice of soldiers. The proposed arch, intended to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, features a golden inscription reading “One Nation Under God,” topped with a Statue of Liberty figure and two large eagles. Critics say the massive structure would block iconic views of Arlington National Cemetery and its neighboring memorials.

Legal Challenge Cites Congressional Approval and View Obstruction

The lawsuit, filed by a Vietnam War veteran, a historian, and two other veterans, centers on two main arguments. First, they contend that building such a significant monument in the nation’s capital requires explicit approval from Congress, as outlined in the Commemorative Works Act. This law ensures that new monuments are carefully considered for their location, design, and impact on the existing national landscape.

Second, the plaintiffs argue that the arch’s proposed location would obstruct the significant view from Arlington National Cemetery. Vietnam veteran John Gunderson, one of the plaintiffs, described the view as “inspiring,” encompassing the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol. He stated, “The sacred site and this historic view should not be desecrated by the planned arch.”

“The sacred site and this historic view should not be desecrated by the planned arch.”

“Vainglorious Monument to a Person,” Say Critics

The plaintiffs are not just concerned about the monument’s size and location, but also its perceived intent. John Gunderson, a former U.S. diplomat and military servicemember, expressed alarm over what he sees as a monument focused on a single individual rather than the collective sacrifice of soldiers. “This is a monument. It’s a vainglorious monument to a person,” Gunderson said. He contrasted this with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which he praised for honoring the average soldier equally, regardless of rank.

Nick Sansoni, an attorney with Public Citizen Litigation Group and counsel in the case, explained the legal precedent for monument construction in D.C. “Since even before the founding of the nation… Congress has played a substantial role in determining the layout and configuration of monuments in the nation’s capital,” Sansoni stated. He emphasized that the Commemorative Works Act ensures national monuments tell a “national story with buy-in from all the relevant constituencies.” This project, he noted, has not undergone that process.

A Question of Appropriateness and Timing

Gunderson suggested that more appropriate ways exist to honor veterans and commemorate national milestones. He pointed to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a successful example of a controversial project that became a cherished site by focusing on the soldiers’ sacrifices. “It’s about the average soldier and it’s not about a cause or president but the sacrifices the average soldier made for his country,” he explained.

The timing of the proposal also draws criticism. Gunderson highlighted that the arch comes at a time of economic hardship for many Americans, with rising prices for essentials like gas. He also drew parallels to what he described as a “one-person rule” mentality, stating, “We know what it is to have a one-person rule. Now, we’re not here against a single president, just the idea that it is not a single person that we owe allegiance to. It’s the Constitution and it’s the other people.”

Location and Logistics Raise Further Concerns

Beyond the symbolic and legal issues, the physical location of the proposed arch presents practical problems. Gunderson pointed out that the monument is planned for a traffic circle, making it difficult for visitors to access. Furthermore, he noted that the site is within the flight path for Reagan National Airport, raising safety and logistical concerns.

“Anyone who’s been in Washington knows this is a horrendous place to build anything, particularly blocking the site view of our most sacred monument,” Gunderson concluded. The lawsuit seeks to halt the project, arguing that it violates existing laws and disrespects the solemnity of national memorials and the sacrifices they represent.

What’s Next for the Arch Proposal

The legal challenge marks a significant hurdle for the Trump administration’s ambitious arch project. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely set a precedent for future monument proposals in Washington, D.C., especially concerning the need for congressional approval and consideration of historical context and public sentiment. Attention will now turn to the courts to determine whether this grand vision can proceed or if it will be stopped by legal and ethical objections.

Source: ARCH ENEMY: Vietnam Vet SUES TRUMP over ‘vain’ 250-foot arch proposal (YouTube)