Trump files emergency motion to continue building White House ballroom

President Trump's administration filed an emergency motion in April 2026 to resume construction of a White House ballroom after a judge halted the project on March 31. The motion argues that the suspension was improper and creates national security risks due to the unfinished excavation site. The administration claims the ballroom includes vital security features like drone-proof roofing and bulletproof glass. They assert that the ongoing construction, including "Top Secret excavations," necessitates immediate resumption. Judge Richard Leon halted the project, citing the need for congressional approval due to the project's transformative nature. Trump's plans for the ballroom, inspired by Mar-a-Lago, have faced criticism from historians and preservation advocates.

The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to pause a judge's order that halted construction of a $400 million White House ballroom. Lawyers for the National Park Service filed a motion on Friday, arguing that the suspension of construction creates a security risk for President Trump, his family, and staff. They claim the partially completed construction leaves the White House vulnerable. The lawyers emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing the need to install materials to create a "heavily fortified" facility. The ballroom is being constructed where the East Wing once stood, with construction ongoing since at least October 2025.

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.

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.

A US judge has temporarily halted construction of President Trump's planned White House ballroom after a lawsuit filed by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Judge Richard Leon ruled that the project began without following proper procedures, including filing plans with the National Capital Planning Commission and seeking congressional authorization. The preservation group argued that the White House violated the law and the US Constitution by commencing construction without these steps. The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for the ballroom, which has expanded in scope and is projected to cost $400 million, funded by private donors. The ruling takes effect in 14 days, allowing for a possible appeal. Trump criticized the ruling, stating the project is on budget, ahead of schedule, and privately funded.

A US judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom construction project at the White House, halting demolition of the East Wing. Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction requested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that Trump lacked congressional approval for the project. The judge's order prevents further construction on the 90,000 sq ft ballroom until Congress authorizes it, though the order is paused for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal. The lawsuit alleges that the project exceeded the president's authority by razing the historic East Wing without proper approval. The judge clarified that the order does not affect construction necessary for White House safety and security.