Federal judge halts Trump White House ballroom project

A federal judge has put a temporary stop to President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to expand the White House with a massive new ballroom, marking a significant legal setback for the $400 million project.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Tuesday in favor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, granting its request to halt construction while a broader legal challenge moves forward. The preservation group filed suit in December 2025 against the National Park Service, arguing that the project—slated to replace the demolished East Wing—was advancing without the legally required federal reviews.

The Justice Department has defended the proposal, describing the ballroom as a necessary modernization of the White House. Officials argue the addition would allow for large-scale events to be hosted on-site, rather than at external venues, and frame the project as an enhancement to one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks.

Plans for the ballroom are substantial. If completed, the space would span approximately 89,000 square feet and accommodate more than 1,000 guests. Trump has said construction could be completed by the summer of 2028.

In his ruling, Leon used pointed language to underscore the constitutional and legal concerns at the heart of the dispute. He indicated that the project likely violates federal law requiring congressional approval for construction on federal property and suggested the government may ultimately lose the case.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families,” Leon wrote. “He is not, however, the owner!”

Leon emphasized that any development on federal land must follow established legal processes, including authorization from Congress. Without that approval, he said, the project cannot proceed.

“Unfortunately for Defendants, unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!” he concluded.

Despite the setback, the judge pointed to a potential path forward. Congressional approval, he noted, could resolve the legal issues and allow construction to resume.

“It’s not too late for Congress to authorize the continued construction of the ballroom project,” Leon added, suggesting that such action would reinforce the constitutional balance between branches of government.