Judge Slams Brakes on Trump’s White House Ballroom Plan
A judge halts Trump’s ballroom project citing legal violations and historic preservation concerns, escalating a major White House construction dispute.
A U.S. judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's project to construct a ballroom at the White House. The judge ruled that proper procedures were not followed before commencing the project.
This ruling came after the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the White House.
In his ruling—which featured several exclamation marks—Judge Richard Leon stated: "Construction must cease until Congress gives this project the green light through legislative approval!"
Trump vowed to appeal the decision and expressed disagreement with the judge's conclusion that congressional approval is required for the ballroom. He further argued that the current facilities are insufficient to host distinguished global guests, such as King Charles III, who is scheduled to visit Washington next month.
The Trump administration had previously asserted that its plan was more cost-effective than a renovation of the East Wing. They also noted that numerous presidents have undertaken modifications to the White House.
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Leon's 35-page ruling, issued on Tuesday, stated: "I have concluded that the National Trust is highly likely to prevail in its lawsuit, as no statute grants the President the authority he claims to possess."
He added: "The President of the United States serves as the steward of the White House for future First Families; however, he is not its owner!"
The ruling stipulated that congressional approval is a prerequisite for resuming the project.
In their lawsuit, the preservation group argued that the White House had violated the law. They initiated construction without submitting plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, without conducting an environmental assessment of the project, and by refusing to seek congressional approval.
They further alleged that Trump is violating the U.S. Constitution, "which vests Congress with the authority to dispose of U.S. property and to enact all regulations pertaining thereto." In his conclusion, Lyon wrote that if the White House secures approval from Congress, "the American people will benefit from the various branches of government fulfilling their constitutional roles."
The East Wing, originally built in 1902, was demolished in October to make way for Trump's multi-million-dollar ballroom.
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Since then, the scope of the proposed blueprint has expanded; it has now grown from a ballroom with a capacity of 500 people to a space capable of accommodating 1,350 guests. The White House states that the project is estimated to cost approximately $400 million (£302 million), with the entire expense being covered by private donors.
The National Trust is a non-profit organization tasked by the U.S. Congress with the preservation of historic sites. The group's president, Carol Quillen, issued a statement saying: "We are pleased with Judge Leon's ruling today, in which he ordered that all further construction on the ballroom be halted until the administration complies with the law and obtains clear authorization to proceed.
"This is a victory for the American people, as this project will have a permanent impact on one of our country's most cherished and iconic sites."
Reacting to the judge's ruling, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account: "The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued me over a ballroom that is being built under budget, ahead of schedule, without taxpayer money, and will be the finest building of its kind in the world."
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He also criticized the Trust for suing to block his renovation of the Kennedy Center—a venue Trump had recently renamed after himself.
"I am simply fixing, cleaning, operating, and 'beautifying' a building that has been terribly neglected for many years," Trump wrote regarding the Washington, D.C. performing arts venue.
Speaking to reporters later, Trump stated that the White House would appeal the ruling and denied that he required congressional approval to continue construction.
He also referenced King Charles III's upcoming visit to the U.S., noting that a tent—the alternative to the ballroom—would be inadequate for hosting him, as the grass could become waterlogged in the event of rain.
"King Charles, who is a very fine man..." "We don't want him sitting in a puddle," he said.
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The Trump administration has argued that any delay in the project would compromise U.S. national security—an argument the judge deemed "baseless." ...dismissed it as a mere "excuse," adding sarcastically: "Please!"
"Having a 'big hole' right next to the White House is, obviously, a problem of the President's own making!" he wrote.
On Sunday, Trump told reporters that the U.S. military is constructing a "massive complex" beneath the ballroom.
He further added that "the ballroom will essentially serve as a shed for what is being built underneath it."
Construction work has already progressed significantly, following the demolition of the East Room over the course of just a few days last autumn.
The demolition and foundation work have already been completed; above-ground construction was scheduled to begin next month.
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