The District of Columbia and Virginia sued the Trump administration in federal court Saturday to block a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Memorial Bridge^1,2,3,4.

Attorneys general Brian Schwalb of D.C. and Jay Jones of Virginia argue that breaking ground would cause irreparable harm through traffic disruption, pollution and interference with emergency services^1,4.

The complaint seeks a temporary restraining order and says the project lacks required congressional authorization^2,3.

The administration has indicated construction could begin as early as next week, around a Thursday vote by the National Capital Planning Commission^2,3,4.

The planned structure at Memorial Circle would stand about 250 feet tall, taller than the Statue of Liberty from base to torch, CBS News reported^1,3.

ABC News said Interior Department plans include a winged statue holding a torch described as an eternal flame².

The new case is at least the third challenge; Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian sued earlier, and Arlington County has also sued^1,2,3.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan held a hearing Friday on the veterans' request to halt work and said she would move quickly; she has required 48 hours' notice before construction-related activity^1,3.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle told CBS News that Trump has acted as a builder in the capital restoring landmarks; WUSA9 said a spokesman described the arch as a reminder of sacrifices in the nation's 250-year history^1,4.

ABC News reported the administration has filed declarations from defense and homeland security secretaries arguing the project is needed for national security².

Veteran Shaun Byrnes told WUSA9 he is not opposed to a monument but said the proposed arch is too large for the site⁴.