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Judge Halts Trump's $400M White House Ballroom Project
National Planning Commission to vote on controversial plans despite court order to stop construction.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:06am
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A federal judge has ordered a halt to construction on President Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom project at the White House, ruling that the plans must first receive congressional approval. Despite the court injunction, the National Capital Planning Commission is expected to hold a final vote on the ballroom's site and design on April 2.
Why it matters
The ballroom project has drawn significant public backlash and criticism from former first ladies, with concerns that it would overwhelm and disrupt the historic White House grounds. The judge's ruling raises questions about the legality of the project's funding and approval process.
The details
The 12-member National Capital Planning Commission, chaired by White House staff secretary and Trump's former personal lawyer Will Scharf, will hold an in-person vote on the ballroom plans on April 2. This comes after a public hearing on March 5 drew over 35,000 written comments, most of them negative. Even if the commission approves the plans, the judge's order prevents any further construction from moving forward.
- On March 31, a federal judge ordered a halt to construction on the ballroom project.
- The judge's order takes effect on April 14, two weeks after it was issued.
- The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to vote on the ballroom plans on April 2.
The players
Will Scharf
The chair of the National Capital Planning Commission and White House staff secretary, as well as Trump's former personal lawyer.
Donald Trump
The former president who proposed the $400 million ballroom project at the White House.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The group that filed a lawsuit on Dec. 12 asking the court to halt further construction on the ballroom project until it goes through the proper congressional approval and review process.
Judge Richard J. Leon
The U.S. District Court judge who ordered a halt to construction on the ballroom project, ruling that it requires congressional approval.
Hillary Clinton
The former first lady who criticized the demolition of the East Wing to make way for the ballroom project.
What they’re saying
“Nothing about the injunction prevents a planning commission from considering the aesthetic and architectural value of the project.”
— White House official
“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!”
— Judge Richard J. Leon, U.S. District Court Judge
“It's not his house. It's your house. And he's destroying it.”
— Hillary Clinton, Former First Lady
What’s next
The Trump administration has filed an appeal of the judge's order halting construction on the ballroom project. The White House team is required to file a report informing the court of the status of its compliance within 21 days after the order takes effect on April 14.
The takeaway
The judge's ruling highlights the controversy surrounding the ballroom project and the legal questions around its funding and approval process. The upcoming vote by the National Capital Planning Commission will be closely watched, but even if the plans are approved, the judge's order prevents any further construction from moving forward.
