Judge pauses construction of Trump’s Washington arch for 14 days

A federal judge blocked construction of Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC, for 14 days.

The ruling came about an hour after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the plans by an eight-to-four vote.

The arch is planned for Memorial Circle, near Arlington National Cemetery, and is set to be 76 metres tall.

A Vietnam War veteran and officials from Washington and Virginia are challenging the project in court, including over whether it has the necessary legal approval.

Judge Tanya Chutkan said construction could cause harm, including years of disruption to a major traffic route.

The court will examine both sides’ arguments during the two-week pause.

Trump wants the arch completed by the end of his second term, but the court case must proceed before construction can move forward.