Judge temporarily halts Trump’s $400m White House ballroom project

Al Jazeera Legal & JudicialNews ReportEN 2 min read 100% complete by By ReutersApril 1, 2026 at 02:50 AM

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Trump files emergency motion to continue building White House ballroom

AI Summary

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A judge has temporarily blocked former President Trump's $400 million ballroom project at the White House, ruling that Congress must authorize the construction. District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction requested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued Trump exceeded his authority by demolishing the historic East Wing and beginning construction without congressional approval. Judge Leon stated that no statute gives the president the authority to proceed with the project. The order halts construction of the 90,000 square-foot ballroom, but allows work necessary for safety and security to continue. The Justice Department has filed an appeal, and the order is paused for 14 days to allow for this process.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

The Justice Department filed an appeal at the Washington, DC-based US Court of Appeals.

factual100% confidence

The order does not affect construction necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House.

factual — Judge Richard Leon100% confidence

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued after alleging Trump exceeded his authority.

factual100% confidence

Construction has to stop until Congress provides statutory authorisation.

quote — Judge Richard Leon100% confidence

Judge Richard Leon halted Trump’s $400m White House ballroom project.

factual100% 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

Carol Quillen 40% George W Bush 50% Justice Department 60% US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit 60% Congress ×270% National Trust for Historic Preservation ×270% United States 70% White House ×680% Donald Trump ×390% Richard Leon ×490%

Keywords

white house ballroom 100% construction halt 80% statutory authorization 70% judge richard leon 60% national trust for historic preservation 60% east wing 50% presidential authority 50% legal challenge 40%