US judge orders Trump to halt ballroom construction

A federal judge has mandated that President Donald Trump suspend the development of a ballroom at the White House. The ruling emphasizes that US presidents do not own the White House, requiring congressional approval for any modifications to the presidential residence. The East Wing, which was demolished last year, is set to be replaced by the new structure, costing $400 million (€346 million).

The National Trust for Historic Preservation initiated the legal action, arguing that Trump overstepped his authority by proceeding without legislative consent. US District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush, issued a preliminary injunction, effectively halting the project until its legal status is determined. The Trump administration was granted 14 days to appeal the decision, which it did immediately following the ruling.

“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!” Leon wrote in the court order.

Leon further stated that “unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop.” The preservation group’s CEO, Carol Quillen, praised the decision as a victory for the American public, highlighting the enduring significance of the White House as a national landmark.

Trump responded to the lawsuit, labeling the National Trust as “left-wing lunatics” on his social media platform, Truth Social. He asserted the ballroom is “under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World.” The group has also contested the Trump administration’s decision to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump Kennedy Center, citing unilateral changes to a historic venue.