Federal judge halts Trump's $400M White House ballroom construction, ruling he lacks authority without Congress

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered the Trump administration to suspend construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, granting a preliminary injunction requested by a preservationist group. The judge ruled that Trump lacks the authority to fund and proceed with the project through private donations without congressional approval. The ballroom project involved demolishing the historic East Wing of the White House, which has served as a ceremonial entrance and houses offices since its construction in 1942. Judge Leon disagreed with the administration's argument that the president has broad authority to make changes to the White House without congressional approval, stating the preservationist group is likely to succeed on claims that no statute gives the President the authority he claims. The ruling represents a significant judicial check on executive overreach regarding federal property and appropriations authority.

"No statute gives the President the authority he claims" — Judge Richard Leon's ruling in the preliminary injunction order, rejecting the Trump administration's argument for broad presidential authority over White House modifications