Donald Trump is trying to rush his gaudiest monuments into Washington before Congress shuts him down for good

A federal planning commission approved President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot memorial arch by an 8-4 vote, but a judge blocked the administration late Thursday from starting construction for 14 days. U. S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued the temporary restraining order at the request of the District of Columbia and Virginia, whose suit has been combined with one brought by three veterans and an architectural historian. The commission's session lasted 9 ½ hours and drew more than 120 witnesses, many of whom said the structure would undermine the dignity of Arlington National Cemetery, according to The Independent.

The developments came the same week Democrats won control of Congress, which promises tougher scrutiny of Trump's building agenda, including the arch, the White House ballroom, the East Potomac Golf Links and the National Garden of American Heroes, all of which have faced litigation. Rep. Jared Huffman of California, in line to chair the Natural Resources Committee, says he will use its full investigative power. Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia opposes the arch, and his spokesman Aaron Fritschner pointed to Democratic control of appropriations starting Jan. 3. Skye Perryman of Democracy Forward said lawsuits will continue, now alongside congressional oversight. Separately, U. S.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →