A federal judge has ordered a halt to construction of a planned $400 million ballroom at the White House, ruling that the project cannot proceed without approval from Congress.
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Judge Richard Leon said President Donald Trump lacks the authority to move forward with the development on the former site of the East Wing unless lawmakers formally authorize it.
In a written decision, Leon said the president acts as a temporary steward of the White House rather than its owner, meaning major structural changes require congressional approval. He ruled that construction must stop until such authorization is granted.
Court halts construction
The judge delayed enforcement of the decision for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal. However, he warned that any above-ground building work during that period could be ordered dismantled later if it violates the ruling.
The White House said it intends to challenge the decision.
Dispute over presidential authority
Leon’s ruling centres on whether existing federal law allows the president to undertake the project independently.
The administration had argued that a statute permitting presidents to use appropriated funds for the care, maintenance, repair and alteration of the White House justified the ballroom plan.
The judge rejected that interpretation, saying the law does not permit the demolition of buildings or the construction of entirely new structures.
He wrote that accepting the administration’s argument would mean nearly any dramatic change could be classified as an “alteration,” potentially allowing even the replacement of the White House itself with a new building.
Leon said the correct path would be for the president to seek explicit approval from Congress. Lawmakers could then authorize the project, approve funding, or decide on another financing arrangement.
Trump’s plans for a major venue
The ballroom proposal has been a personal project for Trump, a former real estate developer who has taken part in design decisions including the floor plan and interior materials.
The proposed building would cover about 89,000 square feet, according to architect Shalom Baranes. That would make it significantly larger than the White House’s main residence, known as the Executive Mansion, which is roughly 55,000 square feet.
Trump has said the venue would become one of the most impressive ballrooms in the world and has indicated he wants it completed by summer 2028, shortly before the end of his term.
Following the ruling, Trump criticised the organisation that filed the lawsuit, describing it in a social media post as a group of political opponents. He did not directly address whether he would pursue an appeal.
Preservation group welcomes ruling
The case was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that moving forward without congressional approval violated federal law governing the White House.
Carol Quillen, the organisation’s president and chief executive, said the ruling represented a victory for the public and affirmed that the administration must follow legal procedures before continuing with construction.
Lawmakers also signalled that Congress may now become involved. Representative Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the court’s decision makes clear the administration must bring the project before Congress.
The ruling comes days before the National Capital Planning Commission is expected to vote on the project. The body oversees federal land and building plans in Washington and is widely expected to approve the proposal despite significant public opposition.
For now, however, the judge’s order places the ballroom project on hold until lawmakers decide whether to authorise it.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 April 2026
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