A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to suspend construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, ruling that the project cannot proceed without congressional approval.
US District Judge Richard Leon in Washington granted a preservationist group’s request for a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting President Donald Trump’s controversial renovation. The judge concluded that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is likely to succeed in its legal challenge against the construction.
Judge Leon wrote that no statute grants the President the authority claimed for the project, which involved demolishing the White House East Wing to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to host 999 guests. “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!” the judge noted.
The White House immediately filed an appeal following the ruling. President Trump expressed frustration in the Oval Office, arguing that previous White House construction projects did not require congressional approval. “We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t get congressional approval,” he said.
The ruling marks a major judicial setback for Trump’s extensive plans to overhaul the historic residence. Enforcement of the injunction was suspended for 14 days to account for the complexity of halting ongoing construction. Critical safety and security work, including an underground bunker, is exempt from the order.
Carol Quillen, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, hailed the decision as a victory for Americans. “We are pleased with Judge Leon’s ruling today to order a halt to any further ballroom construction until the Administration complies with the law and obtains express authorisation to go forward. This is a win for the American people on a project that forever impacts one of the most beloved and iconic places in our nation,” she said.
The White House announced the ballroom project in the summer, with demolition of the East Wing completed by late October. The National Trust filed its lawsuit in December to pause the project pending independent reviews and congressional approval.
