Judge blocks Trump White House ballroom project from proceeding
A federal judge blocked the Trump governance from proceeding with the White House’s nearly $400 million ballroom project, halting construction as the court weighs challenges to the administration’s authority. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the project cannot move forward without explicit congressional authorization, since the Constitution vests duty for federal property and spending with legislators. The decision followed a lawsuit by preservation and oversight groups arguing against the overhaul and demolition of the East Wing. The administration contends the project would cost the American taxpayer nothing because it is funded by private donations and President Trump’s personal funds,though concerns about legality and ethics persist. The cost has reportedly ballooned from $200 million to $400 million, and the administration has indicated it may appeal the ruling. This is a developing story.
Judge blocks Trump White House construction of $400 million ballroom
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from moving forward with construction of a nearly $400 million White House ballroom, siding with challengers who argued the project exceeded executive authority.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, marks an early legal setback for the project, pausing development as the court weighs challenges to the administration’s authority to carry out the overhaul.
In a sharply worded ruling, the judge said the administration cannot proceed without Congress explicitly signing off on the plan, stressing that the Constitution gives lawmakers — not the executive branch — authority over federal property and spending.
“Unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop,” the judge wrote. “And the American people will benefit from the branches of Government exercising their constitutionally prescribed roles. Not a bad outcome, that!”
The lawsuit was brought by preservation and oversight groups seeking to halt the demolition of the East Wing. The administration is expected to appeal the decision.
The construction of the new White House ballroom, a project whose estimated cost has ballooned from $200 million to $400 million, is being funded through a mix of private donations and personal funds from President Donald Trump.
WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM WILL INCLUDE MILITARY BUNKER, TRUMP SAYS
The administration has argued the project would come at “zero cost to the American taxpayer,” although that unconventional funding structure has fueled legal and ethical concerns at the center of the case.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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