Vietnam Veterans Sue to Stop Trump's Independence Arch

Plaintiffs argue the proposed monument would obstruct historic views and require congressional approval.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A group of Vietnam War veterans and a historian have filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block President Donald Trump's plan to build a towering 'Independence Arch' between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The plaintiffs allege the project would obstruct historically significant views, require congressional approval under the Commemorative Works Act, and potentially pose a hazard to air travel at nearby Reagan National Airport.

Why it matters

The proposed arch is part of Trump's vision to mark the United States's 250th birthday, but critics argue it would disrupt the symbolic and historical integrity of the National Mall's existing monument landscape. The legal challenge highlights the ongoing tensions between the former president's grand monument plans and concerns over preserving the capital's historic character.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by three Vietnam War veterans - Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, and Jon Gundersen - along with retired Virginia historian Calder Loth. They argue the arch would 'dishonor' the military service and legacy of veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery by obstructing the 'symbolic and inspiring view' from the cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial. The plaintiffs also allege the project requires congressional approval and an extensive review process under the Commemorative Works Act, which the Trump administration has not undertaken.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Trump announced plans to begin construction of the arch within two months in late January 2026.

The players

Michael Lemmon

A Vietnam War veteran who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Shaun Byrnes

A Vietnam War veteran who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Jon Gundersen

A Vietnam War veteran who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Calder Loth

A retired Virginia historian who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Donald Trump

The former president who proposed building the 'Independence Arch' as part of celebrations for the United States's 250th birthday.

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What they’re saying

“The planned Arch, by obstructing the symbolic and inspiring view from Arlington National Cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial, would dishonor their military and foreign service and the legacy of their comrades and other veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery.”

— Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes, and Jon Gundersen, Vietnam War veterans and plaintiffs (Lawsuit filing)

“I'd like it to be the biggest one of all. We're the biggest, most powerful nation.”

— Donald Trump (Air Force One interview)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant an injunction to halt construction of the arch while the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

This legal challenge underscores the ongoing tensions between former President Trump's grand monument plans and concerns over preserving the historical integrity and symbolic significance of Washington, D.C.'s existing monuments and memorials. The outcome could set an important precedent for the review and approval process for major new monuments in the nation's capital.