A federal judge in Washington D.C. On Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction halting construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, a project initiated by former President Donald Trump following the demolition of part of the East Wing. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the Trump administration had likely overstepped its authority by proceeding with the project without explicit congressional approval.
The lawsuit was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued the project violated federal law regarding alterations to the White House. Judge Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush, agreed, stating in his ruling that “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 White House immediately filed a notice of appeal. Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office shortly after the ruling, dismissed the judge’s decision, stating, “We built many things at the White House over the years. They don’t obtain congressional approval.” He emphasized that work on security enhancements, including underground bunkers and air defense systems, would continue, funded by taxpayer dollars, even as the ballroom itself was intended to be privately financed.
The planned ballroom, envisioned to accommodate up to 999 guests, would represent the most significant structural alteration to the White House since President Harry S. Truman added a balcony to the South Portico in 1948. The demolition of the East Wing began in late October, prompting the legal challenge from the National Trust.
Judge Leon’s injunction does not affect ongoing work related to security upgrades. Trump detailed several of these enhancements, including “drone proof” roofing, secure air handling systems, bio-defense measures, secure telecommunications, and the construction of bomb shelters and medical facilities. He asserted that the ruling allows these security projects to proceed unimpeded.
The administration has released only a partial list of donors contributing to the ballroom project, and has not disclosed the specific amount pledged by each individual or company. Trump reiterated his claim that the project is entirely privately funded, characterizing the judge’s concerns as irrelevant.
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the federal agency responsible for reviewing and approving construction projects in the nation’s capital, is scheduled to vote on the ballroom addition on Thursday. Stephen Staudigl, an NCPC spokesperson, confirmed that Judge Leon’s ruling does not alter the commission’s schedule.
Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, hailed the judge’s decision as “a win for the American people” and a defense of “one of the most beloved and iconic places in our nation.” The Trust had sought a comprehensive review of the project and congressional authorization before construction could proceed.
Judge Leon suspended enforcement of his injunction for 14 days, acknowledging the complexity of the case and the logistical challenges of halting an ongoing construction project. He also anticipated the administration’s appeal.
The legal challenge initially faced skepticism from Judge Leon, who in February rejected the preservationist group’s first attempt to halt construction, deeming their legal arguments insufficient. The Trust subsequently amended its lawsuit, presenting a stronger case that ultimately led to Tuesday’s ruling.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Thaddeus Heuer emphasized the urgency of the situation during a March 17 hearing, stating, “We are two weeks away,” indicating the imminent commencement of above-ground construction. Judge Leon, during that hearing, expressed frustration with what he perceived as shifting justifications from the government regarding its authority to undertake the project.
The administration argued that previous White House renovations, both large and small, did not require congressional approval. Government attorneys cited examples of past projects that, while controversial at the time, are now considered integral parts of the White House. Judge Leon rejected this argument, asserting that Congress had not granted the president unilateral authority to construct anything on federal land, regardless of funding source.
Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to leave a lasting mark on the White House. Previous alterations during his tenure include the creation of a patio space near the Rose Garden, the installation of taller flagpoles on the North and South Lawns, renovations to the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom and the Palm Room, and the addition of gold accents to the Oval Office and colonnade. He has also proposed a ceremonial arch near the Lincoln Memorial, a revamp of Washington-area golf courses, and a major overhaul of the Kennedy Center.
