Cranes are seen on the grounds of the White House as construction work continues for President Trump’s new ballroom in Washington, D.C.
President Trump’s White House ballroom project can proceed for now after a U.S. District Court ruling Thursday. Judge Richard Leon denied a preservation group’s request to pause construction but left open the possibility of a revised filing.
Trump celebrated on social media, writing, “Great news for America, and our wonderful White House! The Judge on the case of what will be the most beautiful Ballroom anywhere in the World, has just thrown out, and completely erased, the effort to stop its construction.” Judge Leon’s opinion, however, did not go that far.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation argued the president failed to follow proper procedure in removing the East Wing and soliciting private donations for the $300 million ballroom. Leon said he was not deciding the case on the merits because of how the lawsuit was framed. He wrote that if the group amended its complaint “the Court will expeditiously consider it and, if viable, address the merits of the novel and weighty issues presented.”
The Trust expressed disappointment but said it would continue efforts to halt construction. “While we are disappointed that the Court did not issue the preliminary injunction, we were pleased that Judge Leon ruled that the National Trust has standing to bring this lawsuit, as we have asserted from the start,” Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, said. “We are also pleased that he encouraged us to amend our complaint—specifically, to assert that the President has acted beyond his statutory authority—and we plan to do so promptly.”
The planned ballroom, designed to seat 1,000 guests, has long been a Trump priority. It drew heavy controversy and public opposition but recently received approval from the Commission of Fine Arts, an architectural review panel now filled with Trump appointees. The commission voted to sign off despite not having seen the final design and after receiving more than 2,000 public comments, which staff said were 99% negative.
The White House is also seeking approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which will review the plans at its March 5 meeting; final approval is not expected until April. Trump said the ballroom “is ahead of schedule, and under budget” and called it a lasting symbol of America’s greatness that will host future inaugurations and large state visits.
