Federal Judge Halts Trump's Proposed White House Ballroom Project

WASHINGTON -- A U.S. District Judge has issued a preliminary injunction temporarily halting President Donald Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom project on the site of the demolished East Wing.

Judge Richard Leon ruled that the project cannot proceed without congressional approval, emphasizing that the president serves as a steward, not the owner, of the historic White House complex. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that the plan violates legal procedures by bypassing Congress.

The injunction pauses all construction activities during the ongoing legal proceedings. Trump defended the initiative, stating it would be funded entirely through private donations. However, Leon determined that private funding does not override the requirement for congressional authorization for significant changes to the White House.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation hailed the ruling as a victory for preserving the integrity of the nation's historic landmarks. The group contended that demolishing part of the East Wing and replacing it with a ballroom represents an unauthorized alteration of federal property.

The Justice Department, representing the administration, has indicated it is preserving its right to appeal the judge's order. No timeline has been set for further hearings in the case.

The project had drawn attention for its scale and location within the White House grounds, raising questions about presidential authority over federal historic sites.