Judge halts Trump’s White House ballroom project unless Congress approves it

A US judge blocked Donald Trump on Tuesday from proceeding with construction of a US$400 million ballroom on the site of the White House’s demolished East Wing, halting for now one of the Republican president’s most visible efforts to reshape the seat of American power.US District Judge Richard ‌Leon granted a request for a preliminary injunction by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organisation that brought a lawsuit alleging Trump exceeded his authority when he razed the historic East Wing and launched construction without approval from Congress.The decision by Leon, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush, keeps the 90,000 sq ft ballroom project on hold while the lawsuit continues.“Where does this leave us? Unfortunately for defendants, unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorisation, construction ⁠has to stop!” Leon wrote in his order.The judge said he was pausing his order for 14 days to allow the Trump administration ‌to appeal. Leon said the order does not affect “construction necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House”.Demolition begins on White House East Wing for Trump ballroomDemolition begins on White House East Wing for Trump ballroomThe White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.