Judge Blocks Trump’s $400 Million White House Ballroom Project — For Now

US judge has ruled that Donald Trump cannot proceed with his planned $400 million White House ballroom without approval from Congress, temporarily halting one of the most visible efforts to reshape the presidential complex.

US District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction sought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which alleges that Trump exceeded his authority by demolishing the historic East Wing and initiating construction of a new structure.

Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, said the 90,000 sq ft ballroom project must remain on hold while the case proceeds.

“Unless and until Congress grants statutory authorisation, construction has to stop,” Leon wrote, referring to the administration.

The judge paused his order for 14 days to allow an appeal, noting that it does not affect any work required to ensure the safety and security of the White House. The United States Department of Justice has already appealed to the Washington-based US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the National Trust as “left-wing lunatics” and said the ballroom was “under budget, ahead of schedule” and funded at no cost to taxpayers.

Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, welcomed the ruling, calling it “a win for the American people” on a project affecting one of the country’s most iconic sites.

Trump has promoted the ballroom as a defining addition to the White House and a lasting symbol of his presidency. However, the ruling marks a setback for his administration, which has argued that the project is a permissible modernisation of the White House grounds.

The National Trust filed the lawsuit in December after the administration demolished the East Wing — originally built in 1902 and expanded during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt—to make way for the ballroom.

The organisation contends that neither the president nor the National Park Service had the authority to remove the historic structure or construct a major new facility without explicit congressional approval.

The Trust is also involved in a separate legal challenge over proposed changes to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The administration maintains that the ballroom would modernise infrastructure, enhance security and reduce reliance on temporary outdoor structures for large events, adding that the project is fully funded by private donors.

‘Steward of the White House’

In his order, Leon said no federal law “comes close” to granting the president authority to demolish the East Wing and build a ballroom using private funds.

“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,” he wrote.

Responding at an Oval Office event, Trump said the judge was “totally wrong”, arguing that many White House projects had proceeded without congressional approval, particularly when not funded by taxpayers.

A panel of the US Commission of Fine Arts — comprising Trump appointees — previously approved the design in a unanimous vote.

The ballroom forms part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape Washington’s monumental core, including proposals for a 250-foot arch and changes at the Kennedy Center.

The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the project’s building plans at an upcoming hearing.

 

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.