A group of Vietnam War veterans and a retired architectural historian have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block construction of a proposed monument near Arlington National Cemetery.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenges President Trump’s plans for “Independence Arch,” a 250-foot structure proposed for Memorial Circle.

The plaintiffs, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, call the proposed plan a “vanity project” that would disrupt one of Washington’s most symbolically charged sightlines between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, a view designed to evoke national unity after the Civil War.

Vietnam veterans Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes and Jon Gundersen believe the structure would “dishonor their military and foreign service” by intruding on a solemn view they visit regularly, according to the complaint.

The arch could also “pose a hazard to air travel at nearby Reagan National Airport,” the plaintiffs argue. At 250 feet, the proposed arch would stand more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial and sit directly on the ceremonial axis that anchors the capital’s monumental core.

The lawsuit names Trump, senior White House officials and the National Park Service (NPS) as defendants. It alleges the plan violates multiple federal laws, including the Commemorative Works Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

NPR reached out to the White House and NPS for comment about the lawsuit but have not received a response.

Administration officials have framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary with new monuments and public works projects highlighting American history and military service.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement to The Washington Post the arch “will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250-year history.”

Ingle also said Trump “will continue to honor our veterans and give the greatest Nation on earth America the glory it deserves.”

The plaintiffs also argue that approval has not been granted and that required environmental and historic preservation reviews have not been completed. Under the Commemorative Works Act, memorials built on federal land in Washington generally require authorization from Congress.

Legal opposition to the project follows a separate lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation over plans for a privately funded ballroom in place of the White House East Wing.

The cost of cleaning up and making repairs after a sewer line failure sent hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage into the Potomac River will total about $20 million, the CEO of D.C. Water said Friday.

David Gadis provided the estimate during a briefing on the Jan. 19 failure of the Potomac Interceptor, a roughly 60-year-old, 54-mile long sewer line. The pipe failed in Cabin John, Maryland.

It’s not entirely clear how the cost will be covered.

Earlier this week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser submitted a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration request, seeking full reimbursement for costs incurred by both D.C. and D.C. Water.

“We expect 100% reimbursement,” Bowser said.

But D.C. Water’s facilities, including the Potomac Interceptor, are funded through an intermunicipal agreement, or IMA. Maryland and Virginia would be on the hook for more than 50% of the cost, per the agreement.

So will the federal government approve D.C.’s request? And if so, will Maryland and Virginia’s share be covered too?

“If the president wants to help Americans who deserve to know that the Potomac River is safe, it doesn’t matter, in my estimation, if it comes through D.C. to D.C. Water, because D.C. Water serves D.C., Maryland and Virginia. It’s kind of hard to parse it out,” Bowser said. “We are happy to be the conduit for the region.”

President Donald Trump also weighed in this week on social media, saying the three jurisdictions needed to work collaboratively. He called out Maryland Gov. Wes Moore by name.

“If they can’t do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding the federal government “can fix it.”

According to D.C. Water, the utility’s customers will not face any additional financial strain as a result of the sewage spill. Gadis said there would be no rate increase tied to the incident, and that the utility had already submitted planned rate increases for the future.

Officials also stressed during Friday’s briefing that drinking water was not affected, but said people should avoid recreational contact with the river as a precaution.

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WASHINGTON (7News) — If you’re heading out early in Washington, DC, expect patchy fog and rain showers through about 9 a.m., creating reduced visibility during the Friday morning commute.

Why It’s Foggy This Morning:

Overnight rain combined with mild air and light winds is allowing moisture to linger near the ground. That setup is ideal for patchy fog, especially in low-lying areas, near rivers, and along parkways.

What to Expect:

Visibility: Locally reduced, at times under a mile

Rain: Intermittent light rain or drizzle

Timing: Gradual improvement after 8–9 a.m. as clouds lift and winds increase slightly

7News On Your Side:

Slow down and allow extra stopping distance

Use low-beam headlights in fog

Watch for sudden visibility drops on bridges and near water

Conditions should improve steadily mid-morning, with fog lifting and rain tapering off. Keep checking local updates if you’re traveling early, and plan a little extra time for the commute.