A legal battle is unfolding that could halt the ambitious, and controversial, construction of a $300 million ballroom at the White House. The dispute centers on whether former President Trump acted within the law when initiating the project, a plan that involved demolishing parts of the historic East Wing.
The National Trust, a historic preservation group, launched a lawsuit late last week, arguing that no president has the unilateral authority to alter the White House without proper review. Their filing with Judge Richard Leon asserts that the project has already inflicted “irreversible damage” and demands an immediate halt to all further work.
At the heart of the Trust’s argument lies the claim that Trump bypassed crucial oversight. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, insisting that Congressional approval, along with sign-off from the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, were essential – and absent.
Adding a layer of complexity, Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts in October, leaving the panel without a governing body. This move fueled accusations that the former president intentionally removed obstacles to his vision for the White House ballroom.
The Justice Department, representing the former administration, countered with a firm defense of presidential authority. Their filing maintains that the president possesses the legal right to modify the White House structure, citing inherent executive powers.
Documents submitted by the Justice Department highlight Trump’s deep personal involvement in the project, detailing his participation in design meetings, architect selection, and ongoing discussions about the ballroom’s footprint. This level of engagement, they argue, underscores his authority to proceed.
However, the administration also raised concerns about security implications should construction be interrupted. A declaration from a Secret Service deputy director warned that a pause in work would compromise the agency’s ability to meet its safety and security obligations at the White House.
The initial announcement of the sprawling, 90,000-square-foot ballroom came in July, with an initial cost estimate of $200 million. Trump publicly stated that the project would be entirely funded by himself and his associates, a claim that remains under scrutiny.
Tuesday afternoon’s court hearing promises a critical showdown, where lawyers for both sides will present their arguments before Judge Leon. The outcome will determine whether the ambitious ballroom project continues, or faces a potentially lengthy legal standstill.
