US federal judge blocks Trump's massive arch project

A US federal judge issued a ruling on Thursday that prevents President Donald Trump's massive triumphal arch project from beginning construction for two weeks. The decision was made by District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is handling the case. Despite the National Capital Planning Commission approving the project 8-4 earlier that day, the judge ruled that the administration cannot commence work on the arch while legal challenges are being considered.

The arch, standing at 250 feet tall, would be located adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The four dissenting commissioners had called for a delay due to legal concerns, lack of congressional funding, and questions about the military use of the arch. The ruling supports several veterans and attorneys general from Washington and Virginia, who had filed a lawsuit to halt the construction.

The arch is one of several projects launched by Trump in an attempt to mark his personal influence on the capital, including a White House ballroom and renovations of the Reflecting Pool and East Potomac Golf Links.