A federal judge temporarily halted construction of President Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., hours after a federal planning panel approved the project.
A federal judge temporarily blocked construction of President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., hours after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day temporary restraining order barring any "construction-related activity" at the site. The order blocks "construction, excavation, demolition, land-disturbance, utility installation, or roadway-closure activity, or any other construction-related activity."
In a 33-page ruling, Chutkan wrote that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in showing the federal government did not follow required legal processes before moving to build the arch. She also said Virginia and D.C. likely have standing to sue, pointing to "tangible economic harms" caused by traffic problems at the construction site.
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday night to approve the final site and building plans for the arch, following almost 9 hours of public comments. The commission acts as the federal government's planning agency for the region.
The arch will be 166 feet tall and topped with "three gilded figures" — a gold, winged female figure flanked by a gold flying eagle on each side — bringing its overall height to 250 feet, according to documents filed with the NCPC. The structure will sit close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, though the Federal Aviation Administration determined it will pose "no hazard to air navigation."
Lawsuits were filed by a group of Vietnam War veterans, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the city of Washington, D.C., arguing that the Trump administration is acting without congressional authorization and is not complying with required procedures to construct the monument.
California Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said during the hearing that the arch is "illegal" and would "disrupt the solemn connection" between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. "This arch would dishonor America, our ideals, and our laws," Huffman said.
One Marine veteran who spoke in opposition, Jimi Shaughnessy, said "a dominating arch with a carnival-like atmosphere of tourists, food trucks and buses is abhorrent and insulting to those who gave all and to their families."
The ruling pauses construction while litigation continues, leaving the project's timeline and funding uncertain. It's unclear how much the project will cost, and who will foot the bill. The arch is expected to take three years to build and will be located in the center of Memorial Circle, across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya was detained pending trial over alleged involvement in an investment fund scandal. More than 430 people are under investigation, with 112 arrested.
The UK government will make it a legal requirement for employers to publish pay on job adverts, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced. Details on company size, enforcement and covered jobs will be set out later.
