Summary
A federal judge limited construction on President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom. The ruling allows underground security work to continue but stops most above-ground building until Congress approves the project.
Key Facts
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon made the ruling on Thursday.
- Underground work for security features like bunkers can continue.
- Above-ground construction of the ballroom must stop unless Congress says yes.
- The administration argued the project has important security features against threats like drones and missiles.
- Judge Leon said national security does not justify ignoring legal requirements.
- Enforcement of the ruling is paused for one week to allow time to ask the Supreme Court for review.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, saying demolition and construction need Congress’s okay.
- The project is estimated to cost $400 million, with private donations funding the ballroom and public money paying for security upgrades underground.
