Judge Tanya Chutkan heard arguments on halting construction of Donald Trump's triumphal arch
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan heard Friday arguments on blocking Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch. Three Vietnam veterans and a retired architectural historian said the project was rushed and lacked congressional approval. The Justice Department argued it was needed for national security, but WUSA9 said its attorneys struggled to explain how. NPS signaled work could begin Nov. 5.
More context
District Judge Tanya Chutkan heard arguments Friday on whether to halt construction of Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch, planned between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. Three Vietnam veterans and a retired architectural historian are seeking a preliminary injunction, arguing that the project was rushed and lacks proper congressional approval. The National Park Service had signaled a day earlier that work would begin Nov. 5. The plaintiffs argued that the public interest weighs against letting the administration move ahead before the court rules. The Justice Department argued the arch is necessary for national security; WUSA9 reported its attorneys struggled to explain how. Several veterans groups backed the project in a filing, describing it as nonpolitical. Vietnam Veterans of America later said its support had been mischaracterized.
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Reporting
- CBS News — Judge set to hear arguments over blocking Trump's proposed arch - CBS News
- WTOP News — Several veterans groups file motion supporting Trump arch; Vietnam vets clarify position – WTOP News
- wusa9.com — DOJ attorneys struggle to explain how Trump's Triumphal Arch would protect national security
Verifier’s note
CBS News and WTOP News report that the judge is hearing arguments on a request to block the project, and WUSA9 reports on the arguments before her. Together, these same-day reports support that the judge is considering whether construction should be halted.