A federal judge in the United States has issued an order to halt the Trump administration’s construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The construction was planned at the site of the demolished East Wing and has been put on hold until it receives approval from Congress.
Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, granted a preservationist group’s request for a preliminary injunction, stating that the President does not have the authority claimed for the project. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is likely to succeed in their claims, according to the judge.
The judge emphasized that the President is the caretaker of the White House for future First Families, not the owner. The National Trust’s president, Carol Quillen, praised the ruling as a victory for the American people and the iconic national landmark.
Leon’s order, which temporarily suspends the construction, allows exceptions for work necessary for White House safety and security. Despite the administration’s intention to appeal the decision, construction has been paused for 14 days.
President Trump criticized the lawsuit, highlighting that the project is privately funded and does not burden taxpayers. The White House has not yet commented on the ruling.
The preservationists sought the injunction to subject the ballroom project to independent reviews and congressional approval before proceeding. Trump initiated the project without input from federal review panels, contrary to standard procedures.