A U.S. court has halted construction of a ballroom on the site of the White House's East Wing
A U.S. federal court has ruled to halt construction of a ballroom on the site of the White House’s East Wing, a project initiated by President Donald Trump. The administration has already filed an appeal against the ruling.
This was reported by The New York Times.
Federal Judge Richard J. Leon noted on Tuesday that construction must be halted until Congress grants approval. In a 35-page ruling, the judge emphasized that Trump likely did not have full authority to carry out such a project without legislative approval, as the changes affect one of the nation’s key government buildings.
The judge also pointed out the lack of clarity regarding who is responsible for the project and on what grounds private contributions are being accepted to fund the construction.
“Unless and until Congress approves this project by granting the necessary consent, construction must stop. But it is not too late for Congress to approve the ongoing construction,” emphasized Richard J. Leon.
The decision’s entry into force has been postponed for two weeks, giving the administration time to file an appeal, which was immediately filed.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the state reception hall, for which the historic East Wing of the White House was demolished, is scheduled to be completed in about a year and a half.
Donald Trump has always used architecture as a reflection of his brand—from Trump Tower to Mar-a-Lago. His new plan—to expand the East Wing of the White House with a massive ballroom—is seen as a symbolic move that transforms the “people’s house” into an extension of the Trump brand. The hall, spanning over 35,000 square feet—larger than the residence itself—would serve not only as a venue for official receptions but also as a monument to Trump’s vision of grandeur and politics as a spectacle.
