Federal Judge Blocks Above-Ground Construction of White House Ballroom
In a significant legal development, a federal judge has continued to block the above-ground construction of a planned $400 million White House ballroom. This contentious project will now only proceed with below-ground work, designated for a bunker and other national security facilities.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s decision followed an appeals court directive to revisit his earlier ruling concerning the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which is intended to replace the East Wing of the White House. The ruling has stirred controversy, drawing a sharp rebuke from President Donald Trump, who described Leon as a “Trump Hating” judge on social media, accusing him of undermining national security.
The Trump administration plans to challenge this latest ruling at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Meanwhile, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed a lawsuit against the project, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.
Despite the ruling stopping above-ground construction, Judge Leon has permitted the continuation of subterranean work. Government attorneys have argued that the project is essential for enhancing security against threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.
This development comes shortly after a panel of three judges from the D.C. appeals court instructed Leon to reassess the national security implications of halting construction. Previously, Leon had mandated that any above-ground work on the ballroom would require congressional approval, but exempted construction necessary for White House safety and security.
The judge emphasized that national security “is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity,” distancing himself from the role of a “construction manager.” His decision allows the administration time to seek further review from the Supreme Court.
Leon clarified that only above-ground construction of the ballroom is on hold, except for necessary measures to cover or secure the project. The administration retains the liberty to continue with below-ground facilities, including a bunker.
In a related note, the National Capital Planning Commission had granted final approval for the ballroom project, which Trump claims is financed through private donations, while public funds cover the bunker and security improvements.
For further reading, see the court’s decision document and more about the ballroom plans.
