Judge Orders Halt to Trump's White House Ballroom Construction

Ruling cites lack of congressional approval for $400 million project to build new events center

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:52pm

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A US judge has ordered a halt to construction of a massive ballroom project launched by former President Donald Trump after he had the historic East Wing of the White House demolished. The judge ruled that Trump does not have the authority to undertake such a project without congressional approval, and that the decision rests with Congress.

Why it matters

The judge's ruling is a significant setback for Trump's plans to leave a lasting architectural mark on the White House, which he has sought to do through various renovations and additions since returning to office in 2025. The decision highlights the limits on a president's power over the nation's most iconic property.

The details

In his ruling, Judge Richard Leon said that Trump, as 'steward' of the White House, 'is not, however, the owner!' and that congressional approval would be needed for the ballroom project. The judge was responding to a legal challenge from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit that seeks to protect historic buildings. Trump had shocked many by having an entire section of the White House abruptly bulldozed last October to make way for the new events center, which he has estimated could cost up to $400 million.

  • On Tuesday, April 5, 2026, a US judge ordered a halt to construction of the ballroom project.
  • Last October, Trump had an entire section of the White House, the historic East Wing, bulldozed to make way for the new events center.

The players

Judge Richard Leon

The US judge who ordered a halt to construction of the White House ballroom project, ruling that Trump does not have the authority to undertake such a project without congressional approval.

Donald Trump

The former US president who launched the $400 million ballroom project at the White House, which involved demolishing the historic East Wing.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that seeks to protect historic buildings and filed the legal challenge that led to the judge's ruling halting the ballroom construction.

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What they’re saying

“'Ballroom construction project must stop until Congress authorizes its completion'”

— Judge Richard Leon, US Judge

“'The President may at any time go to Congress to obtain express authority to construct a ballroom and to do so with private funds. Either way, Congress will thereby retain its authority over the nation's property and its oversight over the Government's spending.'”

— Judge Richard Leon, US Judge

“'a Radical Left Group of Lunatics'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

Trump has two weeks to appeal the judge's ruling halting the ballroom construction project.

The takeaway

The judge's decision highlights the limits on a president's power over the White House and the need for congressional approval for major renovations or additions to the historic building. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and preservationists over his efforts to leave a lasting architectural mark on Washington, D.C.