# Pending Approval

Notes & Observations on Presidential Power and Prior Restraint

![F.P. Dunneagin avatar](https://img.paragraph.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/03bbfd42ac5d00bc5150167f6de2a6f68ef3bcb159c71de7f7d4137a15930123.jpg)  F.P. Dunneagin     September 4, 2026      ![Cover image for Pending Approval](https://img.paragraph.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1536,height=1024,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/f8b0978cbe594c0cf099ce88c36ba0f2a9008bac17751890341f230bf1f0adc6.png)

President Trump plans to begin excavation for his 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery—even though the National Capital Planning Commission has not yet given the project final approval. The required historic-preservation review isn't finished either. Trump to Break Ground on Arch Before Getting Approval.

One additional detail is worth noting.

Last month, Trump appointed Mark Paoletta, a lawyer in his own administration, to chair the National Capital Planning Commission—the body that still must review the project.

We have been thinking about presidential power incorrectly: The decision comes first. The process follows behind to ratify it.

Not that the review process has been eliminated.

The review process remains fully intact. It now takes place after construction begins.

Apparently, in the Trump presidency, pending approval is just another way of saying: Bring a shovel.

— F. P. Dunneagin

## Subscribe to Civics Unhinged

A chronicle of American absurdity, written with a straight face and a sharp pen. Civics Unhinged — satire for those who still give a damn.

Thanks for subscribing.

Top  Latest

- [ February 24, 2026   World Stage, MAGA Script: Willfulness as Governance  ](/@civicsunhinged/world-stage-maga-script-willfulness-as-governance)

- [ October 9, 2025   About Civics Unhinged  ](/@civicsunhinged/about-civics-unhinged)

- [ December 3, 2025   The Real Heirs of the Republic  ](/@civicsunhinged/the-real-heirs-of-the-republic)

- [ February 10, 2026   When Courts Rule but Power Doesn't Listen  ](/@civicsunhinged/when-courts-rule-and-power-doesnt-listen)

- [ September 2, 2026   Nearly 90% Agree?  ](/@civicsunhinged/nearly-90-percent-agree)

- [ September 1, 2026   The Generals You Don't Need—Until You Do  ](/@civicsunhinged/the-generals-you-dont-need-until-you-do)

- [ August 31, 2026   The End of Trying  ](/@civicsunhinged/the-end-of-trying)

- [ August 28, 2026   A Presidential Courtesy Call  ](/@civicsunhinged/a-presidential-courtesy-call)