A federal judge has temporarily blocked construction of President Trump’s triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, issuing a 14-day restraining order, while the White House recast the project as a military tribute. The Trump triumphal arch dispute now moves to court while the order remains in effect.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued the restraining order on construction, citing concerns about traffic, noise and excavation over about three years of work, according to the Straits Times. The ruling came hours after the National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 to approve the arch on Thursday, according to BBC World. The Straits Times reports the commission’s vote took place on Nov. 5 but does not give a count.
The White House has shared new renderings and a website calling the project the Military Triumphal Arch, with the words "Golden Age of America" on one side, according to BBC World. The renderings were shared from the United States Triumphal Arch Foundation, whose chairman, Randy Evans, said the foundation is not connected to the government, according to the Straits Times.
The White House called the ruling the work of "an activist district court" and said it is confident it will be fully vindicated as the litigation proceeds, according to the Straits Times. Virginia and the District of Columbia attorneys general have sued to prevent construction, saying the arch would irreparably damage the skyline, including views of Arlington and the Lincoln Memorial.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the project in September, though some aviation experts have raised safety concerns about its proximity to Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Straits Times. The sources disagree on whether congressional approval is needed. The Trump administration contends Congress approved the arch more than 100 years ago when it also authorised a Potomac bridge, according to the Straits Times and Reuters. BBC World reports there is a disagreement on the question.
Trump previously described the arch as a "military complex" for drones and snipers, and the administration has said it would double as a military equipment storage complex. The arch is meant to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. Veterans opposing it include Anne Wright and John Pomeroy, who said it would lessen the solemn nature of a visit to the cemetery; Pomeroy said he would impede construction workers. Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman called it a tribute to Trump.
The restraining order will remain in effect while litigation proceeds. Several lawsuits are pending, but the sources do not detail their status beyond the Virginia and DC suit. Interior Department documents say construction would take two to three years, while the judge’s order refers to about three years, and BBC says it is unclear when work could begin. The sources do not say whether the arch’s cost has been estimated, and the full text of the ruling was not included in the reporting. The judge has not commented beyond the order itself.
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This article was written with AI assistance from the published reporting listed above. It is part of the World Brief daily news podcast.