Nationwide — A federal judge in Washington, DC, has blocked construction of President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom project. The court ruled the project cannot continue because it likely lacks proper approval from Congress.
According to CNBC, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the injunction on Tuesday, ordering an immediate stop to construction. He also barred White House officials from moving forward with any physical work on the planned ballroom. The order will take effect in 14 days, giving the administration time to appeal.
The decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group argued that the project goes beyond presidential authority and should have congressional approval. The court agreed the group is likely to succeed, noting that the East Wing was already demolished to make way for the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
In his written opinion, Judge Leon said no existing law clearly gives the president the power to build such a structure at the White House without Congress. He also stressed that the president serves as a steward of the White House, not its owner.
The Trump administration quickly appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Trump also responded on Truth Social, calling the National Trust a “radical left group” and defending the project as privately funded and under budget.
The National Trust welcomed the decision, saying it helps protect both the law and the historic integrity of the White House. The ballroom project remains on hold while the legal fight continues.