Judge Partially Halts White House Ballroom Construction, Allows National Security Work to Proceed
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A federal judge has ordered a partial halt to the construction of a new White House ballroom, permitting only below-ground work related to national security to continue.
A federal judge has ordered a partial halt to the construction of a new White House ballroom, permitting only below-ground work related to national security to continue.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the revised order on Thursday, blocking above-ground construction of the proposed $400 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom. However, the order allows the administration to proceed with below-ground construction, including facilities related to national security, such as bunkers and military installations. Judge Leon emphasized that any above-ground work must be strictly necessary to cover and secure these underground facilities and must not determine the final size and scale of the ballroom.
This decision follows a directive from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which instructed Judge Leon to reconsider the national security implications of halting the project. The administration had argued that stopping construction posed significant security risks to the President and White House staff. Judge Leon acknowledged these concerns but stated, "National security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit challenging the project, arguing that the President lacked the authority to demolish the East Wing and construct the ballroom without congressional approval. In his March 31 ruling, Judge Leon agreed, stating that no law grants the President such power without Congress's authorization. He noted, "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."
The administration has indicated plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that the project includes critical security features necessary for the safety of the President and White House personnel.