Final approval for President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom is anticipated from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) despite a recent court ruling that temporarily halted construction. The vote was initially scheduled for March but was postponed to Thursday due to a high volume of public comments, largely opposed to the project.

Legal Challenges and Commission Vote

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a ruling on Tuesday affecting construction activities, but not the planning process, according to NCPC spokesperson Stephen Staudigl. This allows the commission to proceed with the vote. However, the legal fight could still delay progress on the project, which Trump aims to complete before leaving office in early 2029.

Project Modifications

Before the vote, the commission will review design changes announced by President Trump on Sunday while traveling from Florida. These changes include the removal of a large staircase on the south side and the addition of an uncovered porch to the west side. A White House official, speaking anonymously, stated that further “refinements” to the exterior have been made and will be presented by architect Shalom Baranes.

Project Costs and Scope

The ballroom, now estimated to cost $400 million, has increased in both scope and price since its initial announcement last summer. Trump cited a need for a more permanent space to host guests, beyond using a tent on the lawn. Site preparation and underground work began in October, with above-ground construction planned to start no earlier than April.

National Trust for Historic Preservation Lawsuit

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit after Trump demolished the East Wing last fall to make way for the ballroom addition. The trust sought a halt to construction until the project received approval from the NCPC, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and Congress. Judge Leon agreed, though his order allows security-related construction to continue.

Trump's Response and Presidential Authority

President Trump defended his actions, stating, “We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t get congressional approval.” Judge Leon, however, asserted that the President is a steward of the White House for future generations, not its owner, and that no statute grants the President the claimed authority. Representatives for relevant House and Senate committees have not yet commented, as Congress is currently on spring break.