The federal appeals court has granted President Trump a crucial legal win, enabling his $400 million White House ballroom project to progress, at least for the time being.
A panel of three judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has put a hold on an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who had halted above-ground construction at the former East Wing site. A hearing has been scheduled for June 5 to examine the issue further.
Judge Leon had ruled a day prior that construction above ground on the expansive 90,000-square-foot ballroom could not continue. However, work related to underground components, including a bunker and other national security facilities, was allowed to proceed.
Following the demolition of the East Wing last fall, Trump aimed to advance the ballroom project, which he has long advocated. The National Trust for Historic Preservation initiated a lawsuit to block the construction, claiming that necessary approvals from federal agencies and Congress were bypassed.
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In late March, Judge Leon ruled in favor of the preservation group but permitted a delay in enforcing his order, allowing underground work to continue. This led to the administration’s decision to appeal, resulting in the current legal battle.
Trump has characterized the ballroom as a much-needed enhancement to the White House grounds. He has stated that private donations from affluent supporters and corporations will fund the project, although taxpayer money is anticipated to cover the security expenses associated with it.
