Summary
A judge has temporarily stopped President Donald Trump from building a $400 million ballroom on the White House grounds until Congress approves the project. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, claiming Trump overstepped his authority by demolishing part of the White House East Wing. The court ruling means construction is paused while the lawsuit goes on, and the Trump administration has filed an appeal.
Key Facts
- President Trump planned to build a $400 million ballroom on the White House site.
- The construction involved demolishing the historic East Wing of the White House.
- District Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction halting the construction.
- The judge stated that Congress must approve the project before it can proceed.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit against the project.
- Judge Leon paused his order for 14 days, allowing time for an appeal.
- The Justice Department quickly filed an appeal in response to the ruling.
- Trump described the National Trust as “lunatics” and defended the project.
