A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that the Trump administration must halt work on a $400 million ballroom project at the White House until Congress gives its consent.
A preservationist organization’s plea for a preliminary injunction to temporarily halt President Donald Trump’s contentious White House renovations was granted by US District Judge Richard Leon in Washington. The judge came to the conclusion that the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s legal challenge to the project would probably be successful.
Leon concluded that Trump’s purported power for the mammoth construction project is not granted by any statute. To make place for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which can hold 999 people, the President razed the White House East Wing.
For upcoming generations of First Families, the President of the United States is the custodian of the White House. But he is not the proprietor!” Leon stated in his decision.
After the Tuesday ruling, the White House promptly filed an appeal notice, according to Naija News.
Trump Disapproves of Court Decision
Shortly after Leon’s decision, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he was upset with the ruling. The President contended that prior White House building initiatives never needed approval from Congress.
Over the years, we have constructed a lot in the White House. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters, “They don’t get congressional approval.”
The decision is the first significant legal setback to Trump’s extensive plans to renovate the iconic presidential mansion. Leon acknowledged the difficulty of stopping active construction, so he deferred enforcement of his order for 14 days.
According to the court, construction projects required for White House security and safety are not covered by the injunction. Trump pointed out that despite the court injunction, work on an underground bunker and other security improvements can proceed.
Carol Quillen, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, applauded Leon’s ruling, characterizing it as safeguarding American interests in the famous structure.
We applaud Judge Leon’s decision today to prohibit any additional ballroom construction until the Administration conforms with the law and receives clear authorization to proceed. Quillen said on Tuesday, “This is a victory for the American people on a project that forever impacts one of the most beloved and iconic places in our nation.”
The ballroom project was revealed by the White House in the summer. In order to make room for the enormous building, Trump demolished the East Wing by the end of October.
In order to halt the project until independent reviews are finished and Congress gives its consent, the National Trust filed a lawsuit in December.
