A judge has paused Trump's 250-foot arch near Arlington Cemetery for 14 days, just after planners approved it. Should a monument like this need Congress's approval?

What happened

On 5 November the National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 to approve a 250-foot arch at Memorial Circle, on the ceremonial route between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Soon afterwards Judge Tanya Chutkan blocked construction for at least 14 days, in a case brought by Washington DC and Virginia, and ordered a status report by Monday. She said it was highly unlikely a 100-year-old statute gives the authority to build it. The arch would stand far above the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial.

Why people disagree

The White House says the arch will be an iconic landmark, a gateway to Arlington and a reminder of American sacrifice, and the government ties it to the 250th anniversary and says it has a security role. Trump says Congress isn't needed because the land is federal. Opponents, including veterans and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, say Congress must approve it. Some veterans say it harms a sacred place, and DC and Virginia warn of traffic, pollution and disruption to emergency services.

What's still unclear

This is a temporary order, not a final ruling, and Chutkan has yet to rule on the veterans' claims. A separate Arlington County case is also undecided. In May the cost was still being calculated, with a mix of taxpayer and private money expected.