Washington: A US federal judge has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a controversial $400 million ballroom project initiated by President Donald Trump at the White House, citing a lack of congressional approval.
The ruling, issued by US District Judge Richard Leon, grants a preliminary injunction in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group argued that the demolition of the historic East Wing and the commencement of construction exceeded presidential authority and bypassed required legislative oversight.
National Trust President and CEO Carol Quillen has released the following statement in response to today’s ruling grant a preliminary injunction halting construction of the White House ballroom: https://t.co/PCLugcaBn8 pic.twitter.com/2SE5v38hZQ
— Saving Places (@SavingPlaces) March 31, 2026
In his written opinion, Leon emphasised that the project cannot proceed without explicit authorisation from Congress. The ambitious 90,000-square-foot ballroom, reportedly financed through private donations and contributions from major corporations, remains on hold pending further legal and legislative developments.
The administration has already filed an appeal challenging the court’s decision. Responding on his Truth Social platform, Trump strongly criticised both the ruling and the nonprofit behind the lawsuit, describing the organisation as politically motivated. Trump defended the project as being ‘under budget, ahead of schedule’ and claimed it would not burden taxpayers while becoming the finest building of its kind anywhere in the world.
However, the court highlighted historical precedent, noting that former President Harry S. Truman had sought and received congressional approval for major renovations to the White House during his administration from 1949 to 1952.
Judge Leon reiterated that the president retains the option to seek congressional approval, which would ensure constitutional compliance and maintain legislative oversight over federal property and spending.
The decision follows months of legal proceedings, during which the judge expressed scepticism about the administration’s argument that the project constituted a permissible ‘alteration’ to White House grounds.
With the injunction now in place, the future of the high-profile ballroom project remains uncertain as legal battles and political debates continue.
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