Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Judge Questions Trump's Authority for White House Ballroom
There's a big argument about building a new ballroom at the White House.
The president wants to build it where the old East Wing was, but a group called the National Trust says that's not allowed because they didn't get the right permissions.
A judge is now deciding if the president can keep building.
The judge seems unsure if the president has the power to do this without asking Congress first.
The ballroom is supposed to be used for big events, but the group says they didn't do the right checks to make sure it's safe for the environment.
The judge will decide soon if they can stop the building for now.
A judge questioned the Trump administration's authority to build a $400-million White House ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, arguing the project lacks required approvals, environmental review, and congressional authorization.
Judge Richard Leon raised doubts about the administration's statutory power to proceed with the construction without congressional oversight.
The administration defended the project, citing previous presidential renovations and arguing the ballroom is needed for state functions.
The judge will issue a ruling in the coming weeks on the National Trust's request for a preliminary injunction to stop the construction.
- Who
- President Donald Trump's administration, National Trust for Historic Preservation, US District Judge Richard Leon
- What
- Construction of a $400-million White House ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing
- When
- Hearing held on Thursday, ruling expected in coming weeks
- Where
- Washington, D.C.
- Why
- National Trust argues the project lacks required approvals, environmental review, and congressional authorization
- Project Cost
- $400 million
- Project Size
- 90,000 square feet (8,361 square meters)
- Location
- Site of the demolished East Wing, White House
- Plaintiff
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Judge
- US District Judge Richard Leon
- Defendants
- President Donald Trump and several federal agencies
- Project Purpose
- State functions
- Construction Timeline
- Above-ground construction planned for April