Trump’s two major construction projects blocked in Washington, Arc de Triomphe and golf course involved in legal battle

trump change of presidencyWashington Two major projects in the capital’s landscape have faced persistent legal resistance. On the evening of the 5th, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to suspend construction of the giant memorial arch for 14 days. On the other hand, Washington’s historic East Potomac Park golf course reconstruction project is also facing litigation again due to environmental protection and historic preservation disputes. Local groups asked the court to stop the government from closing the park.

The Associated Press reported that Federal District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a temporary restraining order on the evening of the 5th, barring the Trump administration from beginning construction of the 250-foot-high memorial arch within 14 days. Earlier, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) voted 8 to 4 to approve the project after a nine-and-a-half-hour hearing.

Chutkan pointed out that Virginia and Washington have proven that once the project starts immediately, it will cause significant damage, including changes in traffic routes, impacts on emergency rescue coordination, and the need for additional government manpower to deal with road changes and accidents. he also askedfederal government A report on the implementation of the ban will be submitted next Monday.

The Memorial Arch is scheduled to be constructed at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. The Trump administration says the project is built to commemorate American history and veterans, and says Congress authorized the construction of memorial facilities as far back as 1925.

However, opponents questioned the project’s lack of formal congressional approval and said the massive structure would destroy the solemn atmosphere surrounding the national cemetery. Chutkan also did not accept that the government had cited a century-old law for the construction of the 250-foot arch.

California Democratic U.S. Representative Jared Huffman criticized the project, saying it was not a memorial to veterans but a monument created by Trump for himself.

On the other hand, the DC Preservation League and two residents petitioned the federal court for a temporary restraining order on the 5th, requesting a 14-day extension of the closure of East Potomac Park, which was originally scheduled to be implemented on the 15th.

The National Park Service (NPS) said it plans to close parts of the park, including the golf course, due to aging sea walls along the Potomac River and safety concerns.

But plaintiffs questioned whether the government’s closure of the park on safety grounds was actually paving the way for Trump’s planned championship-level golf course renovation project. The new golf course is expected to be planned by renowned designer Tom Fazio, and could impact the three existing golf courses as well as public spaces for people bicycling, fishing, picnicking and walking.

This dispute has already got entangled in the court. Federal Judge Ana Reyes ruled on October 26 that the removal of trees on the golf course could not continue without court approval. The construction crew has already removed about 430 trees.

The court is scheduled to hear the latest emergency claim on Nov. 13, just two days before the scheduled closing. The federal government must file a response on the 9th, and the plaintiffs must respond on the 10th.

Both projects are facing judicial review one after the other and the Democratic Party has also gained control of Congress after the midterm elections. Trump’s plan to transform public space in the capital is expected to be subject to strict congressional oversight.