WASHINGTON — A federal court has denied efforts by historic preservationists to stop President Trump’s massive White House ballroom construction project on Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon determined that The National Trust for Historic Preservation had little likelihood of winning their case seeking to temporarily stop the $400 million project.
However, Leon indicated the organization might find more success by revising their legal challenge.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” the judge stated in his ruling.
The preservation organization had filed suit seeking to pause construction until the project receives multiple independent evaluations and congressional authorization.
The administration revealed plans for the ballroom during the summer months. By the end of October, Trump had already torn down the East Wing to clear space for the massive venue, which he claims will accommodate 999 guests. According to White House officials, private contributions — including funds from Trump personally — will finance the entire 90,000-square-foot ballroom complex.
The president moved forward with demolition and construction without first consulting two key federal oversight bodies: the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Trump has appointed supporters to leadership positions on both regulatory panels.
