Federal Judge Suspends White House Ballroom Construction

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to pause construction of a planned $400 million ballroom at the White House. The decision came after a lawsuit filed by a preservationist group, the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Concerns Over Presidential Authority

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington granted a preliminary injunction temporarily halting the project. Judge Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush, stated that no existing statute grants the President the authority claimed for this construction. He emphasized, “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!”

Project Details and Timeline

The project involved demolishing part of the East Wing of the White House to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to accommodate 999 people. The White House announced the project over the summer, and demolition began in late October.

Legal Challenge and Administration Response

The National Trust for Historic Preservation argued the project needed independent reviews and congressional approval before proceeding. They sought an order pausing construction until these requirements were met. President Trump criticized the lawsuit, asserting the ballroom is “under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World.”

Temporary Suspension and Appeal

Judge Leon suspended enforcement of his order for 14 days, acknowledging the case’s complexity and potential logistical challenges. He also anticipated an appeal from the administration, which a Justice Department official confirmed is underway. Construction necessary for the White House’s safety and security is exempt from the injunction.

Commission Oversight

The Trump administration proceeded with the project without initially seeking input from the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. The administration had previously appointed allies to both of these federal review panels.