A U.S. federal judge has halted a major construction plan linked to President Donald Trump. The ruling states that Trump cannot proceed with building a new ballroom at the White House without approval from Congress.
The decision was issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon on Tuesday. He granted a preliminary injunction requested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group had filed a lawsuit claiming that Trump exceeded his authority.
The proposed ballroom project is valued at $400 million. It would cover about 90,000 square feet. The construction plan followed the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House.
Judge Leon made it clear that construction must stop unless Congress gives formal approval. He emphasized that the president does not have full ownership of the White House. Instead, the president acts as a caretaker for future generations.
The ruling temporarily blocks one of Trump’s most visible plans to reshape the White House. However, the judge allowed a 14-day pause in the order. This gives the administration time to file an appeal.
Soon after the ruling, the U.S. Justice Department appealed the decision. The case will now move to the appellate court in Washington. The administration has defended the project as a necessary upgrade.
In response, Trump criticized the lawsuit and the organization behind it. In a social media post, he described the project as being under budget and funded privately. He also stated that it would not cost taxpayers.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation welcomed the court’s decision. Its leadership said the ruling protects one of the most important sites in the United States. The group argues that the East Wing had historical value and should not have been removed.
The East Wing was first built in 1902. It was later expanded during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The lawsuit claims that neither Trump nor federal agencies had the authority to demolish it.
Supporters of the project say the ballroom would improve infrastructure and security. They also claim it would reduce the need for temporary event setups. Officials have said the funding comes entirely from private donors.
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Judge Leon’s ruling highlights a key legal question. It focuses on whether a president can make major structural changes without Congress. As the case continues, the future of Trump’s ballroom project remains uncertain.
