Senator Jeff Merkley plans to introduce resolutions to prevent President Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center and building a triumphal arch. These resolutions aim to signal Democrats' intent to use legislative means, including appropriations, to block Trump's memorial projects. Merkley will seek unanimous consent for his bills, which is likely to fail but sets the stage for later battles. He has support from Senator Lisa Murkowski for the Kennedy Center resolution. This tactic echoes past instances where Democratic pressure led Republicans to withdraw funding for Trump projects. Trump views his proposed arch as a dual-use facility and has described the Kennedy Center as dilapidated. Merkley's Kennedy Center bill broadly protects any presidential memorial designated by Congress from demolition without congressional approval. The other bill specifically prohibits federal funds for Trump's planned arch at Memorial Circle. Democrats and conservative groups have also pursued legal challenges to thwart Trump's plans. A federal judge recently ordered a 30-day notice for any changes to the Kennedy Center. Litigation is also underway to block the construction of the triumphal arch.