Kennedys sue to block Trump's arch, arguing it would cast shadow on JFK's grave

The family of former US President John F Kennedy has sued to block construction of a triumphal arch that President Donald Trump plans to build in the nation's capital. Nine members of the political dynasty argue the 250ft (76m) structure would block the view of Kennedy's grave, as well as the graves of thousands of veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The White House said it was "unfortunate" to see that some members of the Kennedy family had joined litigation against an arch "intended to honor our heroes who rest in Arlington Cemetery". "The judiciary should not be abused to politicize a structure designed to unite our nation," White House spokesman Davis R Ingle said in a statement to the BBC.

"We will continue making the case for this beautiful and fitting monument and are confident we will be fully vindicated as this litigation proceeds," he added. But US District Judge Tanya Chutkan then ruled there should be a 14-day pause before any work can start on the arch as litigation plays out.