Veterans Groups Support Trump Arch, Vietnam Vets Clarify Stance

A federal judge will hear arguments Friday on the Trump administration's plan to begin construction of a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery as early as next week.

Several veterans groups have filed a motion supporting the project, stating it is meant to honor the country's service members. However, the Vietnam Veterans of America later clarified that its support was not an endorsement of the arch's specific design.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, along with other veterans organizations, submitted an amicus brief in support of the Trump administration's plans. The brief argued the arch is not political, comparing it to existing memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

The court is set to hear arguments from plaintiffs, including three veterans and a retired architectural historian, who are seeking to block construction. The National Park Service has signaled it may begin work on November 5, pending approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

The Vietnam Veterans of America issued a statement clarifying that its participation in the brief was to support honoring veterans through memorials, not to endorse the specific design of the arch. The group emphasized the distinction between supporting the effort to honor veterans and endorsing every detail of a monument.

The National Park Service and the executive office of the president have filed a notice indicating construction could start as early as November 5, with the National Capital Planning Commission set to meet Friday for final approval of the site and plans.