WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Thursday declined to immediately stop construction of a controversial new ballroom at the White House, rejecting a preservationist group’s request for an emergency halt as legal challenges proceed.
U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon ruled that the National Trust for Historic Preservation had not shown it was likely to succeed on the merits of its claims or that it would suffer irreparable harm if work continued on the project, which is expected to cost up to $400 million. The ruling allows demolition and construction activities to proceed while the lawsuit continues.
The lawsuit contends the administration moved forward with the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House and the planned construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom without securing necessary approvals from Congress or completing independent federal reviews, including environmental and historic preservation assessments.
In his decision, Leon gave the preservation group an opportunity to amend its complaint to better articulate the legal basis for its challenge, noting that the initial filings focused too heavily on constitutional authority rather than specific statutory requirements.
The White House, which says the ballroom expansion is privately funded and necessary to host large official events, has previously maintained that it will comply with review processes by submitting plans to federal advisory bodies such as the National Capital Planning Commission.
The decision does not close the case; the preservation group is expected to press its claims in the coming months, and additional briefs and hearings are possible as both sides prepare for further proceedings.
Background: The East Wing demolition began in October 2025 to make way for the ballroom — part of a broader renovation plan that has drawn criticism from historic preservation advocates and some lawmakers who argue the process bypassed typical public and regulatory oversight.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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For crying out loud, it’s not there for just President Trump, it will be there for “all” “all” “all” “all” “all” future presidents to enjoy! Get a grip, democrats. You are showing everyone just how childish and petty you are.
The east wing is gone. The project is not using tax-payer money and the ballroom is needed. You so-called preservationists need to get your heads out of your a$$es and quit wasting the courts time and get the hell out of the way. You’re making fools of yourselves.