Judge Blocks $400M White House Ballroom Project Again

Trump criticizes 'Trump Hating Judge' for halting visible construction on the planned 90,000-square-foot structure.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:11am

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A softly lit, cinematic painting of an empty, shadowy White House ballroom, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unresolved conflict.The legal battle over the proposed $400 million White House ballroom project exposes tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over presidential authority.Washington Today

President Donald Trump lashed out on social media after a federal judge again blocked above-ground construction of his planned $400 million, 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the administration still cannot move forward with the visible portion of the project without congressional approval, though some security-related work below ground may continue.

Why it matters

The White House ballroom project has been a contentious issue, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation suing to stop the construction. The ruling highlights the ongoing legal battle over the president's ability to build such a large structure on the White House grounds without explicit congressional approval.

The details

In his ruling, Judge Leon said no law 'comes close' to authorizing Trump to build the ballroom without Congress. The president criticized the judge, calling him a 'Trump Hating Judge' and claiming the ballroom is a 'GIFT' to the country that is 'vital for our National Security.' However, the judge is allowing some limited security-related work to continue below ground.

  • On March 31, Judge Leon issued an injunction blocking visible construction on the ballroom project.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been suing to stop the ballroom project.

The players

Judge Richard Leon

A U.S. District Judge who has ruled against the Trump administration's plans to build a $400 million ballroom at the White House.

Donald Trump

The former president who is pushing for the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, claiming it is a 'GIFT' to the country.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that is suing to stop the White House ballroom project, arguing it would damage the historic character of the presidential residence.

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What they’re saying

“A Trump Hating Judge, for the first time in History, wants Congress to pay Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for a Glorious Ballroom, instead of accepting Donations from Great American Companies and Citizens.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The legal battle over the White House ballroom project is expected to continue, with the Trump administration likely to appeal Judge Leon's ruling. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will also continue its lawsuit seeking to permanently block construction of the ballroom.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over the president's ability to unilaterally undertake major construction projects on White House grounds. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of Congress in overseeing and funding such initiatives.