A U.S. judge refused to freeze the contested White House ballroom project, allowing construction to continue as preservationists adjust their legal strategy.
A U.S. judge denied preservationists' request to freeze the $400 million White House ballroom renovation while their legal action is pending on Thursday, declining to stop President Donald Trump from proceeding with the project.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation was found to have failed to meet the high legal bar necessary for a preliminary injunction by the US District Judge Richard Leon. The nonprofit group had attempted to halt construction on the ninety thousand-square-foot ballroom that will take the place of the White House complex's demolished East Wing.
According to Leon's ruling, the plaintiffs focused primarily on constitutional grounds and failed to provide the required statutory claims to refute the president's claimed right to proceed with the project without the consent of Congress. He pointed out that the group could modify its complaint to claim that Trump went beyond his legal bounds.
In December, the National Trust filed a lawsuit against Trump and a number of government agencies, claiming the project proceeded without the necessary environmental study or legislative approval. The group claims that the National Park Service incorrectly produced an environmental assessment rather than a complete environmental impact statement and that federal regulation prohibits construction on federal parkland in Washington without special congressional clearance.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision was "great news for America" and described the ballroom as a timeless representation of the country's glory. Carol Quillen, president of the National Trust, stated that while the organization is upset, it intends to quickly modify its complaint.
Originally constructed in 1902 under Theodore Roosevelt and enlarged under Franklin Roosevelt in 1942, the East Wing was demolished in October. It had served as a theater, a visitor's entryway, and the first lady's offices.
Since taking office again in January 2025, Trump has implemented a number of renovations, including the ballroom. According to the administration, the privately financed project will be finished before the conclusion of Trump's term and is necessary for state operations.
