A federal judge indefinitely blocked the Trump administration late Thursday from beginning construction on President Donald Trump’s 250-foot arch, which a planning commission had approved hours earlier after a contentious online meeting.

The administration had indicated construction on the arch could begin this week. Instead, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan’s temporary restraining order puts that off for at least 14 more days and marks the latest roadblock to the president’s construction agenda in the nation’s capital.

The attorneys general of Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued to stop the arch project, arguing that it would snarl traffic at a major traffic artery between D.C. and Virginia while construction continues, and even after it is complete.

They also argued the project would produce pollution and stormwater runoff in the Potomac River and interfere with emergency services. They asked Chutkan to immediately block construction of the arch once it received final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

That board’s approval, on an 8-4 vote, came Thursday evening after a 9 1/2-hour meeting that saw scores of speakers oppose the project.

Chutkan began her 33-page order with a flowery description of the area around Memorial Circle, the site where the arch is to be built:

“That circle serves as a central link in a mile-long ceremonial,
historic route that runs from the Lincoln Memorial, across the river, and down Memorial Avenue to the gates of Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Circle’s construction began in 1940, and the land within it has remained undeveloped green space, affording an unobstructed view of Arlington Cemetery, for more than 85 years,” the Obama appointee wrote.

“Last October, President Trump announced plans to change that, declaring that he intended to build a 250-foot-tall arch in Memorial Circle.”

The administration had argued against further delays to the arch, which — beyond its stated purpose of commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary — the government said might also serve as a potential platform for drones to help with security in the region.

Ultimately, Chutkan determined that the district and the state had met all the requirements for her to grant the restraining order.

“All four factors — the likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, public interest, and the balance of the equities — favor the District and Virginia,” she wrote.

Chutkan deferred ruling on requests in a similar lawsuit brought by a group of Vietnam War veterans, who argue the project still lacks congressional authorization. The judge has consolidated those lawsuits.

This ruling marks the first time Chutkan has blocked construction of the arch itself. In September, she ordered the government to provide at least 48 hours’ notice before “engaging in any activity” around the site of the arch.

The government had previously agreed to provide at least two weeks’ notice before beginning construction of the arch.

Trump unveiled his plans last October for a 250-foot Arc de Triomphe-style monument in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. The original plans called for a towering, gilded arch that would dwarf the nearby 99-foot Lincoln Memorial and other monuments.

Since the lawsuit was filed, Trump’s plans for the arch have evolved. Last month, Trump announced the arch would become a “top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and the plaza areas, and additionally have and hold hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage.”

Members of the Trump administration have continued to point to the national security aspect of the arch in court filings, including sworn declarations written by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

But the final plans for the arch that were submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission make no mention of a military complex. There are also no references to a national security purpose.

This consolidated lawsuit brought by the veterans and attorneys generals is not the only challenge to Trump’s arch. Earlier this month, the Arlington County Board in Virginia sued to block construction of the arch. That lawsuit alleged the Trump administration was moving too quickly, bypassing the full review process.

A judge has not yet ruled on the lawsuit brought by the Arlington County Board.

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