The planned arch would be built at Memorial Circle, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans, lawmakers and activists gathered near Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday to protest President Donald Trump’s proposed 250 foot arch, arguing that the project could disrupt the historic memorial landscape and requires congressional approval. The demonstration at Memorial Circle included retired service members, plaintiffs involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the project and Democratic lawmakers including Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Representative Don Beyer of Virginia. Protesters carried signs reading “Veterans Over Vanity” as opposition to the proposed monument continues to grow. The planned arch would be built at Memorial Circle, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The project is also facing a federal lawsuit brought by veterans and an architectural historian. Critics argue that the proposed structure would interfere with the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, which contains the graves of generations of US service members. Public Citizen, which represents several veterans and architectural historian Calder Loth in the lawsuit, has argued that the project would alter the symbolic relationship between the two sites. Retired Army veteran and former Foreign Service officer Jon Gundersen, one of the plaintiffs, criticised the project during the rally. The Trump administration has defended the arch as a tribute to military service and part of celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary. White House spokesman Davis Ingle has previously described it as a landmark intended to enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery. The lawsuit was filed in February by veterans Michael Lemmon, Shaun Byrnes and Gundersen, along with Loth. The plaintiffs argue that the administration cannot proceed without congressional approval under federal laws governing commemorative works. The legal dispute intensified after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that excavation work could begin while additional federal reviews were still underway. Opponents subsequently sought emergency court intervention. Trump has also said the structure could serve a military purpose. He described the planned arch as a “top grade Military Complex” and said it could accommodate drones, sniper positions and ammunition storage at the military’s request. That proposal has added another point of contention. Duckworth and Merkley have raised concerns about the potential impact on aviation safety, historic preservation and the separation of powers. Beyer, whose congressional district includes Arlington National Cemetery and Memorial Circle, has also criticised the plan, citing concerns over air traffic, congestion, preservation and the legal authority to proceed without congressional approval.