Judge blocks Trump White House construction of $400 million ballroom

A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's $400 million White House ballroom project, ruling that the executive branch lacks the authority to proceed without explicit congressional approval. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon stated that the President is a steward, not an owner, of the White House and that the Constitution grants Congress authority over federal property and spending. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued the administration bypassed proper legal procedures, including public comment and independent reviews. Demolition of the East Wing had already begun in late 2025. President Trump expressed shock at the decision, contrasting it with perceived delays in other large-scale projects and asserting that the White House ballroom and the Trump Kennedy Center were under budget and ahead of schedule. The administration is expected to appeal the ruling, which paused development while the court considers the challenges to the executive authority. The project's funding, a mix of private donations and Trump's personal funds, has also raised ethical concerns. Judge Leon suggested the administration could seek express authority from Congress for the project.