A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from beginning construction of President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington, delivering a major legal setback to the controversial project.
Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day temporary restraining order on Thursday night, prohibiting the government from undertaking any construction-related activities while the legal dispute continues.
The decision came just hours after the administration announced that work on the proposed monument could begin immediately.
The ruling has placed the project’s construction schedule in uncertainty, despite plans for a three-year development period.
Federal Commission Approves the Monument
Earlier on Thursday, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the federal agency responsible for overseeing major construction and development projects in Washington, voted 8-4 to approve the proposed structure.
The decision followed nearly nine hours of public testimony, during which administration representatives defended the project and said construction could begin within 24 hours.
The approval highlighted divisions between Trump’s allies and local officials, with supporters largely drawn from the administration and individuals closely connected to the president.
Opposition came from members of Congress, veterans, architects and residents of Washington, DC, and Virginia, many of whom raised objections to the monument’s proposed design and location.
California Democratic Representative Jared Huffman was among the most outspoken critics.
Speaking at the commission hearing, Huffman said Trump was a president rather than a king and described the proposed monument as an inappropriate development for the area.
Monument Could Cost Up to $100 Million
The proposed arch is expected to stand near Arlington National Cemetery, reaching approximately 250 feet into the air, equivalent to a 25-storey building.
Although the administration has not announced a final construction budget or explained how the project would be financed, estimates have placed its potential cost at up to $100 million.
The monument, which Trump has referred to as the Arc de Trump, has faced opposition over its proposed scale, appearance and location.
Huffman described the project as an illegal development and criticised its potential effect on the historic surroundings.
He also argued that the structure would disrespect veterans and the history and aesthetics of the area.
Judge Questions Administration’s Security Justification
Chutkan’s intervention followed earlier concerns about the administration’s attempts to accelerate the project while legal proceedings remained unresolved.
The judge had previously instructed the government to notify her before beginning construction, giving her an opportunity to intervene.
Trump introduced a new justification for the project late last month, announcing that the proposed arch would also serve as a military facility.
In a statement published on Truth Social, he said the structure would accommodate drones and ammunition for rapid deployment in large quantities.
He also described plans for rooftop and plaza positions that could accommodate sniper teams.
Trump said the monument, planned near the Arlington Memorial Bridge, would become a major military complex as well as a triumphal arch.
He argued that Washington was the only one among 59 major cities and capitals without such a monument and declared that the proposed structure would be the greatest of its kind.
However, Judge Chutkan questioned the administration’s explanation in her latest ruling.
Although she acknowledged the government’s interest in national security, she said the newly presented military functions were not supported by the original planning documents.
She also noted that the security features had not appeared in the documents used to review and approve the project, despite discussions about the structure having continued for approximately a year.
Democrats Threaten to Scrap the Project
The legal challenge comes as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress in January following their victories in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Party members have indicated that they intend to stop the proposed monument from proceeding once they assume control.
Huffman had already warned that the political support behind the project would disappear, declaring that the Great Gatsby party was over.
He also described the arch as a monstrosity and an unacceptable tribute at a site associated with military history and veterans.
The change in congressional leadership could create another obstacle for the administration as it attempts to secure the project’s future.
Trump’s White House Construction Plans Face Other Legal Challenges
The proposed arch is not the only major architectural project pursued by Trump during his second term to face legal scrutiny.
His planned White House ballroom has also attracted legal challenges, although elements of the development have continued, with funding allocated through the Secret Service budget.
Some aspects of that project remain caught up in lawsuits.
With Chutkan’s latest order preventing construction-related activities on the Triumphal Arch for 14 days, the administration must now contend with the ongoing legal proceedings before work can move forward.
