Officials in Washington D.C. and Virginia have initiated a lawsuit seeking to block the construction of President Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch, just days before its final design approval was anticipated. The joint legal action, filed on Saturday, argues that the arch project is "fragrantly unlawful" and cannot proceed without congressional authorization.

The lawsuit highlights the immediate and significant impacts the construction would have on the two regional governments and their residents. D.C. and Virginia contend they face a "battery of irreparable injuries," including disruptions to local traffic, environmental degradation, and potential threats to security and emergency preparations, should work commence as the administration has indicated.

Attorneys for the District and the Commonwealth assert that their standing to file the suit is "indisputable" given the anticipated negative consequences. The suit specifically requests a temporary restraining order to halt any construction activities. The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the arch's final design on Thursday, with the Trump administration having stated in court documents that construction could begin the same day if approval is granted.

The Trump administration has previously defended the arch project, which is planned for a busy traffic circle at the foot of Memorial Bridge. The proposed structure, described as a 25-story arch topped with a golden winged statue holding a torch and an "eternal flame," has also faced opposition from Vietnam-era veterans who claim it would negatively affect their visits to Arlington National Cemetery.

In a separate legal challenge brought by these veterans, sworn declarations from the secretaries of defense and homeland security were submitted by the administration to support claims that the arch is a matter of national security. These declarations reportedly bolster arguments that the structure could serve as a drone port and an ammunition storehouse.

The Interior Department recently submitted its final plans for the Monumental Arch, as it is also referred to, to the National Capital Planning Commission. These plans include updated details on traffic management and lighting, with the design intended to ensure the "eternal flame" is visible from all angles, day and night.

This legal maneuver by D.C. and Virginia represents a significant escalation in the opposition to the arch project. The lawsuit frames the construction as an overreach by the executive branch, bypassing necessary legislative approval for a project of such scale and potential impact on the nation's capital region.

It remains to be seen how the court will rule on the request for a temporary restraining order and whether congressional authorization will be required before any construction can proceed. The anticipated final vote by the National Capital Planning Commission adds further urgency to the legal proceedings.