A federal judge expressed skepticism on Friday regarding the urgency of President Donald Trump’s plan to construct a large triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, raising the possibility of delaying the project. The proposed 250-foot monument is intended to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.

During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan questioned Assistant Attorney General Robert Stander about the need to begin construction as early as next week. “What is the harm of waiting?” Chutkan asked, suggesting that postponing the project for several months might not cause significant issues. She also challenged the administration’s assertion that the arch has national security implications, noting her skepticism that the structure would deter assassination attempts against the president.

Stander described the arch as a “high-profile project” and argued that delays would cause harm to the government. He referenced statements from senior officials asserting that the monument would contribute to regional defense and security. Chutkan expressed incredulity at this rationale, questioning the logic behind the claim.

The Justice Department is seeking to dismiss a legal challenge filed by three Vietnam War veterans and a historic preservationist. The plaintiffs argue that the arch should not be built without explicit congressional approval and that it would detract from their experience when visiting the military cemetery.

Stander contended that the challengers lack standing, claiming they cannot demonstrate concrete harm from the project. His argument echoed reasoning used in a recent Supreme Court decision that favored the administration in a separate dispute over construction at the White House. In that August ruling, the Court found that a preservationist plaintiff likely had no legal grounds to sue over alterations to the White House grounds, clearing the way for ongoing renovations.

However, Judge Chutkan noted distinctions between the two cases. She pointed out that in the White House litigation, the preservationist frequently walked past the site and could demonstrate direct impact, whereas in the current case, veterans argue that the towering arch would significantly alter their experience of the cemetery, a site of particular national and personal importance.

Chutkan indicated she would issue a prompt ruling on whether construction could proceed. The Trump administration hopes to secure approval for the arch from a federal review panel by November 5 and to start building soon thereafter.