US judge orders Trump to halt $400m White House ballroom project

The Guardian - World News Legal & JudicialNews ReportEN 3 min read 100% complete by Anna Betts in New YorkApril 1, 2026 at 12:57 AM

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Trump files emergency motion to continue building White House ballroom

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A US judge has halted Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project after the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, alleging Trump exceeded his authority by starting construction without Congressional approval. Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction, halting the 90,000-sq-ft project until Congress authorizes it. The Trump administration has appealed the order. Trump criticized the National Trust and defended the project, claiming it was under budget, ahead of schedule, and privately funded. Judge Leon referenced President Truman's White House renovations, which required Congressional approval, and suggested Trump seek similar authorization.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

President Harry Truman, who oversaw the last major renovation of the White House from 1949 to 1952, did seek and eventually receive congressional approval for his plans.

factual100% confidence

Trump attacked the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which he called “a radical left group of lunatics”.

quote — Trump100% confidence

The US president demolished the historic East Wing of the White House last year to make way for the project.

factual100% confidence

A US judge has halted the construction of Donald Trump’s $400m White House ballroom.

factual100% confidence

Congressional approval has never been given on anything, in these circumstances, big or small, having to do with construction at the White House.

factual — Trump70% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

George W Bush 40% Harry Truman 40% United States 60% National Trust for Historic Preservation ×270% Congress ×670% Richard Leon ×470% White House ×580% Donald Trump ×790%

Keywords

white house ballroom project 100% congressional approval 80% construction halt 80% national trust for historic preservation 70% east wing demolition 60% us judge 60% trump administration 50% legal challenge 50% statutory authorization 40%