Federal judge halts Trump's $400M White House ballroom project

Construction on the president's controversial renovation plan has been paused until Congress approves the project.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty, sunlit White House ballroom, capturing the uncertainty surrounding the project's future.The future of the White House ballroom renovation remains uncertain as a federal judge halts construction, pending Congressional approval.Washington Today

A federal judge has ordered a halt to construction on President Trump's $400 million plan to build a massive new ballroom at the White House, ruling that the project requires Congressional approval before proceeding. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the renovation, arguing it was pursued without input from lawmakers. The judge warned the administration should be prepared to potentially demolish any work already done if the project is ultimately not authorized.

Why it matters

The ruling marks a significant setback for Trump, who has pushed for the ballroom project for over a decade. It raises questions about the president's ability to unilaterally undertake major renovations to the historic White House without Congressional oversight or approval.

The details

Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, ordered construction to stop until Congress gives its approval for the 90,000 square foot ballroom that would replace the East Wing. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to halt the project, arguing it was pursued without input from lawmakers. Leon had previously allowed construction to continue despite the lawsuit, but last month suggested the National Trust would need to rework its case to get the work paused, which it did.

  • In October 2025, the East Wing of the White House was demolished to make way for the ballroom project.
  • In December 2025 and February 2026, Judge Leon allowed construction to continue despite the National Trust's lawsuit.
  • In March 2026, Judge Leon ordered a halt to construction on the ballroom project until Congress approves the plan.

The players

Judge Richard Leon

A federal judge appointed by President George W. Bush who ruled to halt construction on Trump's White House ballroom project until Congress approves the plan.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that sued to stop construction on Trump's White House ballroom project, arguing it was pursued without input from Congress.

President Donald Trump

The former president who has pushed for over a decade to build a massive new ballroom at the White House, a project that has now been halted by a federal judge.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately for Defendants, unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop! But here is the good news. It is not too late for Congress to authorize the continued construction of the ballroom project.”

— Judge Richard Leon, Federal Judge

“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.”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

President Trump is expected to appeal the judge's decision halting construction on the White House ballroom project. The case will now move to a higher court, where Trump will likely argue that the project should be allowed to proceed without explicit Congressional approval.

The takeaway

This ruling underscores the limits on a president's ability to unilaterally undertake major renovations to the historic White House without oversight from Congress. It sets up a constitutional clash over the separation of powers and the extent of executive authority when it comes to altering one of the nation's most iconic buildings.