Summary
A judge has stopped the above-ground part of President Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction because Congress has not approved it, but ruled that the underground bunker can continue. The judge said that national security does not excuse breaking laws, and the Justice Department plans to appeal the ruling.
Key Facts
- Judge Richard Leon blocked building the above-ground portion of the White House ballroom.
- The judge said Congress must approve the project, rejecting Trump's claim it was a national security need.
- The underground bunker part of the project can still be built.
- The project began without necessary approvals, leading to a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- The lawsuit claims the White House broke the law by not filing plans or getting environmental review and Congress approval.
- President Trump said the ballroom is "needed now" and criticized the judge’s decision on social media.
- The ballroom expansion will increase capacity from 500 to 1,350 people and cost about $400 million funded by private donors.
- The East Wing of the White House was demolished in October 2023 to make room for the ballroom.
