A federal judge has ordered a temporary halt to construction of a proposed ballroom project at the White House, siding with a preservation group that challenged the plan under federal law. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said the group is likely to succeed in its case, writing that existing statutes do not grant the level of authority claimed for proceeding with the project.
The injunction pauses work on the development but includes a 14-day delay before taking effect, allowing time for an appeal. The U.S. Department of Justice quickly filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, formally challenging the ruling. The lawsuit was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that congressional approval is required before such a project can move forward.
In his decision, Judge Leon emphasized that construction could proceed if Congress explicitly authorizes the project or allocates funding. The ruling underscores the role of lawmakers in overseeing federal property and expenditures, particularly for significant structural changes to historic government buildings.
Donald Trump criticized the lawsuit and defended the project in public statements, arguing that it is privately funded and does not rely on taxpayer money. He also maintained that similar construction efforts at the White House have not required congressional approval in the past. Plans for the ballroom include a large banquet hall, additional office space, and design elements intended to complement the existing structure.