Judge Halts Above-Ground Construction of White House Ballroom; Underground Security Work Permitted
A federal judge has ordered a halt to above-ground construction of President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, allowing only below-ground security-related work to continue.
A federal judge has ordered a halt to above-ground construction of President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, permitting only below-ground work related to national security. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon's ruling follows an appeals court directive to reassess the project's national security implications.
Judge Leon specified that while above-ground construction must cease without congressional approval, subterranean work, including bunkers and other security facilities, may proceed. He emphasized that national security concerns do not justify bypassing legal procedures.
President Trump criticized the decision, labeling Judge Leon a "Trump Hating" judge who is undermining national security and delaying the project. The administration plans to appeal the ruling.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed the lawsuit challenging the project, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision.
The ballroom project, funded by private donations, has faced legal challenges over the demolition of the East Wing and the necessity of congressional approval. Judge Leon has granted a one-week stay on his latest decision, allowing the administration time to seek Supreme Court review.