Trump’s US$400 million White House ballroom can move ahead for now, judge rules
The National Trust for Historic Preservation charity sued after Trump had the East Wing torn down in October to build the ballroom
A judge on Thursday declined to block US President Donald Trump from proceeding with the construction of a US$400 million White House ballroom to replace the demolished East Wing, finding that a challenge from preservationists did not meet the high bar for a preliminary injunction that would halt the project for now.
US District Judge Richard Leon’s ruling came in a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation aiming to stop construction until the White House complies with federal law and rules including congressional authorisation. The National Trust had sought a preliminary injunction to freeze the work on the ballroom while the private charity’s lawsuit proceeds.
The Trump administration has argued that the project is consistent with established presidential renovation practices and serves the public interest.
Leon, in his ruling, said he could not issue an injunction based on the specific arguments the National Trust made but that the group could amend its complaint.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” Leon wrote in his ruling.
The White House and National Trust did not immediately respond to requests for comment.