A US judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom construction project, ruling that proper procedures were not followed before the building project began. This ruling follows a lawsuit from The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that the White House violated legal protocols by starting construction without the necessary approvals.
Judge Richard Leon noted, I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have. In response to the ruling, Trump expressed his frustration via social media, insisting that the project, funded by private donations, is progressing well and will be outstanding in design.
Leon's statement emphasized that the President is supposed to preserve the White House for future generations, not treat it as personal property. He indicated that unless Congress formally authorizes the project, all work must cease. This decision takes effect in 14 days, potentially allowing for an appeal.
The lawsuit contended that the Trump administration did not file plans with the National Capital Planning Commission, failed to conduct an environmental assessment, and ignored the need for congressional approval, among other violations. The East Wing, built in 1902, has already been demolished to accommodate the new construction, which was originally planned as a ballroom for 500 guests but has since expanded to accommodate 1,350.
Trump's administration maintains that the project is more cost-effective than renovating existing structures and highlights that other presidents have made changes to the White House in the past. The proposed ballroom's estimated cost is $400 million, with Trump claiming no taxpayer money is being used for its construction.
Following the judge's decision, Trump criticized the National Trust for historically opposing his renovations and expressed disbelief over the legal actions taken against him.
Judge Richard Leon noted, I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have. In response to the ruling, Trump expressed his frustration via social media, insisting that the project, funded by private donations, is progressing well and will be outstanding in design.
Leon's statement emphasized that the President is supposed to preserve the White House for future generations, not treat it as personal property. He indicated that unless Congress formally authorizes the project, all work must cease. This decision takes effect in 14 days, potentially allowing for an appeal.
The lawsuit contended that the Trump administration did not file plans with the National Capital Planning Commission, failed to conduct an environmental assessment, and ignored the need for congressional approval, among other violations. The East Wing, built in 1902, has already been demolished to accommodate the new construction, which was originally planned as a ballroom for 500 guests but has since expanded to accommodate 1,350.
Trump's administration maintains that the project is more cost-effective than renovating existing structures and highlights that other presidents have made changes to the White House in the past. The proposed ballroom's estimated cost is $400 million, with Trump claiming no taxpayer money is being used for its construction.
Following the judge's decision, Trump criticized the National Trust for historically opposing his renovations and expressed disbelief over the legal actions taken against him.
