A federal judge in the United States has issued a ruling demanding the Trump administration halt its development of a $400 million ballroom at the location where the East Wing of the White House was previously demolished. The judge’s order prohibits any construction activities from moving forward without approval from Congress. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington granted a request from a preservationist group for a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project. Leon, appointed to the bench by former Republican President George W. Bush, determined that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is likely to prevail in its legal claims as no existing law grants the President the authority he asserts.
“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Judge Leon emphasized in his written decision. The National Trust’s President and CEO, Carol Quillen, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a victory for the American people concerning a project that significantly impacts a cherished and iconic national site.
Judge Leon temporarily suspended the enforcement of his order for 14 days, recognizing the complexity of the case and potential logistical challenges posed by halting an ongoing construction project. The administration swiftly appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The judge clarified that construction work essential for the safety and security of the White House remains exempt from the injunction and assured that halting construction would not compromise national security based on confidential information he reviewed.
President Trump criticized the preservationist group for litigating against a project he claimed is privately funded and does not burden taxpayers. The White House did not immediately comment on the court ruling. The preservationists sought legal action to pause the ballroom project until it undergoes independent reviews and secures congressional approval.
The White House unveiled the ballroom project during the summer, and by late October, President Trump had demolished the East Wing to make way for the proposed ballroom, designed to accommodate 999 individuals. The construction of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom is intended to be financed through private donations, including contributions from Trump himself.
President Trump proceeded with the project without consulting two federal review panels, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, both of which he has populated with his supporters. The administration aims to start above-ground construction on the ballroom in April. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Thaddeus Heuer, highlighted the imminent commencement of construction during a March 17 hearing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.