A US federal judge temporarily blocked construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington, DC, on Thursday, less than an hour after a federal planning commission approved the project, CNN reported.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day order barring the Trump administration from carrying out construction-related activities near the proposed site, citing concerns including potential economic impacts and traffic disruptions.
The ruling came after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the 250-foot (76-metre) monument in an 8-4 vote.
The commission, which oversees architectural and design changes in Washington, held more than eight hours of public testimony from over 120 citizens, including veterans who opposed the project.
The proposed monument would stand near the Potomac River and Arlington National Cemetery as part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape the US capital's landscape.
Trump has said the arch would commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, honour the US military and serve as a major tourist attraction.
Historic preservation concerns
Opponents, however, argued that the project lacked the required congressional authorisation and would obstruct views of historic landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
A National Park Service review released in August said that the monument could adversely affect as many as 42 historic sites, with the most serious concentrated on six near the structure.
Critics also challenged the administration's accelerated approval process, arguing that it bypassed important historic preservation requirements.
The Trump administration had indicated that construction could begin immediately after the commission's approval.
The temporary court order creates another legal obstacle to Trump's goal of completing the monument before leaving office in January 2029.
