A federal judge has dismissed a bid by a preservationist group seeking to halt the Trump administration’s plans to build a $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon concluded that The National Trust for Historic Preservation is unlikely to prevail in its initial attempt to secure a temporary injunction against the project led by former President Donald Trump.
Judge Leon noted that the group might have better prospects if they revise their legal strategy in the lawsuit.
“The focus of both parties has been the President’s constitutional power to alter the East Wing, rather than challenging the statutory authority claimed to bypass congressional approval using private funds,” Leon stated in his decision.
The group had sought a court order to pause the ballroom construction until it could undergo thorough independent evaluations and secure congressional approval.
The ballroom initiative was unveiled by the White House during the summer. By the end of October, Trump had already cleared the East Wing to accommodate a new ballroom with a capacity for 999 guests. This 90,000-square-foot (approximately 8,400-square-meter) project is being financed through private contributions, including funds from Trump himself, according to the White House.
Trump proceeded with the project before seeking input from a pair of federal review panels, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Trump, a Republican, has stocked both commission with allies.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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