Summary
A federal judge blocked above-ground construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House but allowed work to continue on below-ground national security facilities. President Donald Trump criticized the judge’s decision and said the administration will ask a higher court to review the ruling.
Key Facts
- The planned ballroom covers 90,000 square feet at the site of the former East Wing of the White House.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon stopped above-ground construction but allowed underground work for security purposes.
- The underground work includes a bunker and other facilities to protect against threats like drones, missiles, and biohazards.
- Judge Leon said he reviewed private government documents and concluded stopping above-ground work would not harm national security.
- The Trump administration disagrees and will appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued to block the project, supported the judge’s ruling.
- Trump called Judge Leon a "Trump Hating" judge and accused him of delaying a "great gift to America."
- The judge requires congressional approval for above-ground construction to continue.
