Get you up to speed: Trump instructed to halt his £400 million White House ballroom project | News UK
US President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project was halted by Federal Judge Richard Leon’s ruling, requiring congressional approval for construction.
Federal Judge Richard Leon ruled that the Trump Administration must obtain Congressional approval for the White House ballroom project, halting construction effective in 14 days.
Federal judge Richard Leon’s order halts construction of Trump’s controversial ballroom, pending a 14-day period for potential appeal by the Trump Administration.
What we know so far
The US President has expressed outrage following a federal judge’s decision to halt construction of his proposed ballroom at the White House. Judge Richard Leon’s ruling mandates that the Trump Administration obtain congressional approval before proceeding with the project.
In a sharply worded 35-page decision, Leon outlined that the President had not adhered to proper procedures in initiating construction on the demolished East Wing, which historically housed significant offices. He stated, “I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have.”
The $400 million project has faced legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argues that the administration began construction without the necessary approvals. The ruling allows for a 14-day period in which the Trump Administration can appeal the court’s decision.
In response, Trump defended the ballroom as vital for presidential security, asserting that it would feature advanced technology, including a “drone-proof roof.” He also claimed that the project was being executed at no expense to taxpayers and was necessary for hosting large events. Trump’s remarks indicate he intends to challenge the ruling vigorously.
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Trump ordered to stop his $400,000,0000 White House ballroom project | News UK
The US President has erupted in fury after his glitzy ballroom project for the White House was blocked by a judge.
Federal judge Richard Leon issued a ruling filled with exclamation points as he ordered construction on the demolished East Wing to stop.
In a 35-page decision, the judge declared that Congress needed to approve the ballroom and that the Trump Administration had not followed proper procedures.
In response, the President launched a blistering defense of his prized 90,000sq ft ballroom, saying it was vital for his security because it was equipped with a ‘drone-proof roof’ and other new tech.
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The $400,000,0000 project began in October after the shock destruction of the historic East Wing.
However National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the Administration, arguing that the White House had broken the law by starting the building works without filing plans with the National Capital Planning Commission and without authorisation from Congress.
Leon agreed that approval was needed from the other branches of government.
He said: ‘I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have.’
The judge continued: ‘The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!’
In a sarcastic conclusion, Leon dismissed concerns that any delay to the project would harm US national security.
He said this was ‘grasping at straws’, adding a scoffing ‘Please!’.
‘The existence of a ‘large hole’ beside the White House is, of course, a problem of the President’s own making!’ he wrote.
The order takes effect in 14 days, allowing time for an appeal, which Trump has vowed to do.
He wrote on his Truth Social account: ‘The National Trust for Historic Preservation sues me for a Ballroom that is under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World.
He added: ‘All I am doing is fixing, cleaning, running, and ‘sprucing up’ a terribly maintained, for many years, Building.’
The President then continued his tirade against the judge’s ruling with reporters in the Oval Office.
Reading from prepared notes, he said the project was a matter of presidential security.
Trump explained there would be a ‘drone-proof roof’, as well as ‘air-handling systems’ and ‘biodefense all over’.
He also said the ballroom was needed to host large events for world leaders and other guests and that a ballroom tent was not sufficient because how wet the grass gets.
‘King Charles, who’s a great guy. We don’t want him to sit in a pool of water,’ he added.
Trump’s new lavish ballroom will have floor-to-ceiling white and gold decorations, the concept images revealed, matching his current shiny Oval Office decor.
Once complete, the room can fit around 1,000 seated guests.
The demolition of the East Wing, which traditionally housed the First Lady’s office, attracted backlash last year.
The East Wing was built in 1902 and expanded in 1942 during the Second World War.
The ballroom will be the biggest structural change to the executive mansion since the addition in 1948 of the Truman Balcony overlooking the South Lawn, even dwarfing the residence itself.