TLDR:
- A federal judge has blocked construction of Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom, ruling he lacks unilateral authority to demolish and rebuild part of the complex.
- Judge Richard Leon said the president is the White House’s “steward” — not its owner — and must get congressional approval before proceeding.
- Mr. Trump called the ruling wrong, arguing no taxpayer money is involved and the project is “under budget, ahead of schedule.”
- The Justice Department filed a notice of appeal the same evening.
Can a president demolish a piece of the White House without Congress? A federal judge just said no — and halted Donald Trump’s plans for a lavish $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing.
Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, ruled Tuesday that Mr. Trump overstepped his authority by moving forward with the project without congressional approval.
“The president of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Judge Leon wrote.
Mr. Trump had the historic East Wing — formerly home to the first lady’s offices and a White House theater — demolished in October. His replacement plan calls for a privately funded ballroom he has said would be “the envy of the world.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, arguing Mr. Trump was erasing history and bypassing legal preservation requirements. Judge Leon agreed that Congress, not the president, holds authority over such decisions under the Constitution’s property, appropriations and District clauses.
Mr. Trump pushed back, telling reporters the ruling was wrong. “The taxpayers are not putting up a dime,” he said.
The judge exempted safety and security work from the injunction and put his ruling on hold 14 days to allow for an appeal. The Justice Department filed its notice of appeal by evening.
Read more:
• Judge shuts down Trump’s White House ballroom project
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