Judge Rejects Block, Trump $400M Ballroom Construction Continues

The project involves demolishing the East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to accommodate 999 people. The White House stated private donations, including funds from President Donald Trump, will cover the construction costs.

Judge Leon ruled that the preservationist group was unlikely to succeed on the merits of its initial bid to temporarily stop the project, but he indicated the group has a better chance if it amends its lawsuit to challenge the statutory authority claimed by the President, rather than his constitutional authority. The Trump administration proceeded with the project without seeking input from federal review panels, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, both of which President Trump has stocked with allies.