Federal judge blocks Trump's proposed triumphal arch hours after federal commission approved it

During the hours-long hearing, opponents raised a number of concerns, including airplane safety, vehicle traffic disruptions, its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery and its impact on the D.C. skyline.

Published: November 6, 2026 7:42am

A federal judge has blocked construction of President Donald Trump's 250-foot triumphal arch Thursday night. 

The decision came less than two hours after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project in an 8-4 vote following a nearly 10-hour meeting, City Cast DC reported. 

Two lawsuits were filed against the project, one by the D.C. government and the Commonwealth of Virginia and another by Vietnam Veterans. U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, who is presiding over the cases, issued a 14-day temporary restraining order prohibiting all construction on the project. 

During the hours-long hearing, opponents raised a number of concerns, including airplane safety, vehicle traffic disruptions, its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery and its impact on the D.C. skyline. 

 

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