Former President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom is expected to receive final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) in the coming days. This vote comes shortly after a U.S. District Judge halted construction activities related to the project.

Commission Vote Proceeding Despite Legal Setback

According to NCPC spokesperson Stephen Staudigl, the judge’s ruling on Tuesday only impacts construction, not the planning and approval process. Therefore, the commission is moving forward with the vote. The vote was initially scheduled for March but was delayed due to a high volume of public comments, the majority of which opposed the ballroom addition.

Design Changes Incorporated

Before the vote, the commission will review design modifications announced by Trump on Sunday. These changes include the removal of a large staircase on the south side of the building and the addition of an uncovered porch to the west side. Architects had previously criticized the staircase as impractical.

A White House official, speaking anonymously, stated that the president considered feedback from the NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts when making these adjustments. Additional “refinements” to the building’s exterior have also been made and will be presented by architect Shalom Baranes.

Project Costs and Timeline

The ballroom project, initially estimated at a lower cost, now has an estimated price tag of $400 million. Site preparation and underground work began in October, following Trump’s announcement. Above-ground construction was slated to begin in April, at the earliest.

Legal Challenge and Congressional Oversight

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit after Trump demolished the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, arguing that the project requires congressional approval. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon agreed, issuing a temporary halt to construction. However, the order allows security-related construction to continue.

Judge Leon emphasized that the President is a steward of the White House for future generations, not its owner, and that no statute grants the President the authority claimed for this project. Trump, however, stated, “We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t get congressional approval.”

The 12-member NCPC is chaired by a White House aide who has expressed support for the ballroom. Trump appointed three members of the commission, including two other White House officials. Representatives for relevant House and Senate committees have not yet commented, as Congress is currently on spring break.