U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting construction of President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery on November 5, 2026. The ruling came hours after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the $100 million project in an 8-4 vote. Judge Chutkan cited potential violations of the Commemorative Works Act and a lack of congressional authorization.
Triumphal arch construction block
- ▪U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting construction of President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery on November 5, 2026
- ▪Under Judge Tanya Chutkan's November 5, 2026 order, the Trump administration must notify contractors within 24 hours and submit a compliance report to the court by Monday, November 9, 2026
- ▪The temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan prohibits the Trump administration from undertaking construction, excavation, land disturbance, utility installation, road closures, or demolition at the site of Trump's proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery
Legal basis for restraining order
- ▪In her November 5, 2026 opinion, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan stated that Trump's proposed 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery appears to violate the Commemorative Works Act because Congress has not enacted a statute authorizing its construction
- ▪U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan consolidated separate lawsuits filed by Washington, D.C., Virginia, three Vietnam War veterans, and an architectural historian challenging Trump's proposed 250-foot arch's construction without congressional approval
Planning commission approval process
- ▪The National Capital Planning Commission vote split along political lines, with Trump-appointed federal members voting in favor and representatives for Washington, D.C. voting against the 250-foot arch project
- ▪The National Capital Planning Commission approved final site and building plans for President Donald Trump's proposed arch in an 8-4 vote
- ▪During the National Capital Planning Commission's November 5, 2026 hearing, over 100 witnesses testified, with most opposing the arch's impact on Arlington National Cemetery and local sightlines
Political opposition context
- ▪D.C. City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson testified to the National Capital Planning Commission that President Donald Trump's proposed arch lacked required statutory authorization and funding appropriations from Congress
- ▪Democratic lawmakers pledged to block funding and halt construction of President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot arch after taking control of Congress in January following the November 2026 midterm elections
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