Washington DC and Virginia sue to block Trump's 'flagrantly unlawful' 250ft arch days before construction could begin near Arlington cemetery

A render of Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot arch, which at that height would stand 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty measured from base to torch.

Washington DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Virginia AG Jay Jones filed suit in federal court on Saturday, calling Trump's planned 250ft stone arch near Arlington National Cemetery "flagrantly unlawful" and warning of "serious, immediate and irreparable harm." The administration says it could break ground as early as 5 November if federal planners sign off, making the race to the courthouse critical.

Three separate lawsuits now seek to halt the arch, which would stand 100ft taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Jones branded it "Trump's illegal vanity project," arguing the structure nearly doubles DC's 130ft statutory height cap and lacks required congressional authorisation.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, who questioned on Friday how a tourist arch could deter presidential assassination attempts, says she will rule "expeditiously."

The GuardianVirginia and DC sue to stop Trump’s arch as government looks to start construction The IndependentTrump sued by Washington DC and Virginia over ‘flagrantly unlawful’ arch project The IndependentVirginia and DC sue over Trump's arch, adding to legal challenges as government wants work to begin NYTTrump’s Arch Faces New Legal Challenge From Virginia and D.C.Raw StoryTrump hit with last-minute suit from two attorneys general to kill his arch: report NewsweekDC, Virginia Sue to Block Trump’s 250-Foot Arch After Judge Questions Plan NewsweekJudge Mocks Trump's Arch Security Claim as She Weighs Construction Halt PoliticoJudge weighs blocking construction of Trump’s triumphal arch UPIJudge skeptical of administration claims in emergency arch hearing

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