A ballroom without Trump? Judge halts construction of White House project; Congress decides

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon in Washington granted a protectionist group’s request for a preliminary injunction temporarily halting President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project.

“I conclude that the National Trust is likely to succeed on substance because no statute comes close to giving the president the power he claims to have,” wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush, according to denver7.com.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for the descendants of the First Family. However, he is not the master!” he added.

Leon reportedly suspended enforcement of his order for 14 days. He acknowledged that the case “raises novel and significant issues and that halting ongoing construction projects “could raise logistical issues.” He also acknowledged that the government may appeal his decision and ruled that any construction work needed to ensure the security of the White House would not be affected by the ban.

Learn more | Trump’s White House Ballroom: Who will pay for the $250 million project, and what will they get in return?

The National Trust for Historic Preservation reportedly filed a lawsuit seeking an order halting the ballroom project. The trust hopes the project will undergo multiple independent reviews and gain parliamentary approval.

Trump denounced the lawsuit, saying the ballroom was “completed on budget, ahead of schedule, at no cost to taxpayers, and will be the finest building of its kind in the world.” A Justice Department official later told Scripps News that the Trump administration was appealing the judge’s order.

Trump said the project would be funded by him and private donors. The White House reiterated the message in a statement X posts”, said, “For more than 100 years, successive presidents have transformed the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our country. Today, President Trump proudly broke ground on the new massive White House Ballroom. This new grand White House ballroom was privately funded at no cost to taxpayers and will be cherished for generations to come. “

Learn more | Trump’s Ballroom Project: Demolition of White House East Wing facade begins | View Photos

Trump has spoken publicly about the building before truth social post also. “I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds for the new, spacious and beautiful White House Ballroom,” he wrote. “The East Wing is completely separate from the White House itself and as part of this process is being fully modernized and will be more beautiful than ever when completed! For over 150 years, every president has dreamed of having a ballroom in the White House to accommodate those attending grand gatherings, state visits, and more.”

Trump added, “I am honored to be the first President to finally launch this much-needed project – at zero cost to the American taxpayers! The White House Ballroom is funded by many generous patriots, great American companies, and your true private sector. This ballroom will be happily used for generations to come!”