Federal Judge Blocks Above-Ground Construction of White House Ballroom
A federal judge has issued a ruling that halts the above-ground construction of a new $400 million White House ballroom, while allowing work to continue on underground national security facilities at the site. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s decision follows an appeals court directive to re-evaluate an earlier judgment concerning the 90,000-square-foot ballroom project, which involves the demolition of the East Wing of the White House.
President Donald Trump criticized Judge Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush, labeling him a “Trump Hating” judge who seeks to “undermine National Security” and delay the project. The administration plans to appeal this ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. Her organization had filed a lawsuit challenging the project.
Judge Leon’s ruling does not affect below-ground work, which includes security measures designed to protect against threats like drones and missiles. The government maintains that the project includes essential security features.
The judge’s decision was prompted by a recent D.C. appeals court panel’s instruction to reconsider the national security implications of halting the ballroom’s construction. Previously, Leon had prohibited the ballroom construction pending congressional approval, while exempting necessary security-related work.
Leon has temporarily stayed his ruling for a week, providing the administration time to seek review by the Supreme Court. His order halts above-ground construction but permits underground work, including bunkers and medical facilities, to continue.
Judge Leon emphasized that “national security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity” and rejected the government’s argument that the entire project falls under the safety-and-security exception.
The appeals court panel recently stated it lacks sufficient information to determine the project’s impact on the safety of the president and White House staff.
On April 2, just two days after Leon’s previous ruling, the National Capital Planning Commission granted final approval for the ballroom project. This federal body oversees construction on government property in the Washington area.
The preservation group’s lawsuit was filed following the White House’s demolition of the East Wing in December. The new ballroom, intended to accommodate 999 guests, is said to be privately funded, though public funds are being used for bunker and security upgrades.
