Judge Weighs Bid To Block Trump's 250-Foot Arch Near National Mall
On Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan heard a request for a preliminary injunction to block former President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot arch between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.[1]
DOJ filings say construction could begin as soon as Nov. 5 if the National Capital Planning Commission gives final approval, and department lawyers told the court the plaintiffs lack standing to sue.[1] Plaintiffs argue the arch lacks proper congressional authorization and would disrupt the Lincoln-Robert E. Lee Memorial sightline. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth filed sworn declarations saying the arch would serve as a key anti-drone and security platform.[1]
DOJ filings say the NCPC could give final approval that would allow construction to begin as soon as Nov. 5.[1] Arlington County has filed a separate federal suit in Virginia challenging the project. The Federal Aviation Administration has determined the arch would not be a hazard to aviation.[1]
Judge Chutkan must decide whether the plaintiffs can show immediate harm and are entitled to an injunction that would stop work while the litigation proceeds. Department lawyers told the judge early construction would be limited to below-ground foundations, and they urged that restriction undercuts any claim of imminent injury.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 30, 2026, Judge Tanya Chutkan is hearing a request for a preliminary injunction to halt the arch project.
- The proposed 250-foot arch would be built between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, on a traffic circle near Arlington County.
- DOJ filings say construction could begin as soon as November 5, 2026, after National Capital Planning Commission final approval.
- Plaintiffs argue the arch lacks proper congressional authorization and would disrupt the Lincoln–Robert E. Lee Memorial sightline.
- DOJ argues the plaintiffs lack standing and that early work is limited to foundations and below-ground construction.
- Sworn declarations from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth say the arch would serve as a key anti-drone and security platform.
- Arlington County has filed a separate federal suit in Virginia, and the FAA has determined the arch would not be a hazard to aviation.
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