U.S. President Donald Trump strongly criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Thursday that has halted the above-ground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom project, allowing only subterranean work on a bunker and other national security facilities at the location. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued this latest decision following directions from an appeals court to provide clarity on the 8,400-square-meter ballroom project, which involved the demolition of the White House’s East Wing.
President Trump took to social media to denounce Judge Leon, appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush, labeling him a “Trump Hating” judge who is obstructing national security efforts and causing delays in the construction of what he referred to as a significant gift to the nation. The administration has indicated its intention to challenge Leon’s latest ruling at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, as their group had filed a lawsuit against the ballroom project. Judge Leon clarified that while above-ground construction is suspended, work on security measures below ground is not affected by his order. The government has argued that the project includes crucial security features to protect against various potential threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.
Leon’s ruling comes after a three-judge panel from the D.C. appeals court instructed him to reconsider the potential national security implications of halting the construction. In a previous order, Leon prohibited above-ground work on the ballroom without congressional approval, allowing construction necessary for White House safety and security to proceed. He emphasized that halting construction would not endanger national security based on confidential materials reviewed.
The judge initially suspended his order for two weeks and has now extended the stay for an additional week, affording the administration time to seek review from the Supreme Court. He specified that only above-ground construction of the ballroom is halted, but work on excavations, bunkers, military facilities, and medical installations below the ballroom can continue. The appeals court panel also highlighted the need for more information to determine the extent of the project suspension without compromising safety.
Acknowledging the safety concerns at hand, Judge Leon emphasized that national security should not be an excuse for unlawful activities and disclaimed any role as a construction manager. The National Capital Planning Commission granted final approval to Trump’s ballroom project two days after Leon’s previous ruling, despite ongoing legal challenges from preservation groups following the demolition of the East Wing. Trump maintains that private donations fund the project, with public funds allocated for bunker construction and security enhancements.