WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Washington has clarified that underground security construction may move forward at the White House, despite his earlier decision to block President Donald Trump’s proposed $400 million ballroom project.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the updated ruling Thursday, specifying that work on below-ground bunker facilities and other security infrastructure can continue at the location. His decision came after a federal appeals court directed him to reassess how national security concerns factor into his construction ban.
The appeals court had asked Leon to reconsider whether stopping all work at the site could compromise security interests. Administration attorneys had contended that the project incorporates essential protective elements designed to defend against various potential dangers, including drone attacks, missile strikes, and biological hazards.
Leon’s original order required congressional authorization before any construction could begin, though he temporarily paused enforcement of that directive for a two-week period. The appeals court then extended that suspension through Friday.
