Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump’s “Arc de Triomphe”

Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan has temporarily suspended, for 14 days, construction of a monumental 72-meter arch that Donald Trump wants to erect in Washington, near Arlington National Cemetery. The decision came hours after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project by eight votes to four.

Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the project is being challenged in several lawsuits over its environmental impact, traffic, public safety and the need for congressional approval. Critics argue that the monument would undermine the cemetery’s solemn character and obstruct views toward Arlington and the Lincoln Memorial.

The Trump administration presents the arch as a tribute to American history and veterans, in the context of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The project includes a golden statue of Liberty, eagles and patriotic inscriptions. Veterans and Democratic lawmakers, however, say the monument would become a personal tribute to the president. Some veterans have announced that they will try to prevent construction from beginning.