Federal Judge Questions Preservation Group's Request
During Tuesday's proceedings, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon expressed skepticism about granting a temporary halt to President Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction. The judge noted the National Trust for Historic Preservation had not demonstrated that "irreparable harm" would occur if work proceeds.
Leon indicated he might issue a final ruling on the restraining order by Wednesday, but plans to hold additional hearings in January regarding the group's request to pause the project until it undergoes independent reviews and congressional approval.
Administration Warnings and Deadlines
The judge cautioned the administration against making decisions on underground infrastructure that would determine future above-ground construction scope. "The court will address it, I assure you of that," Leon stated if such actions occur.
During the hearing, Leon referenced the administration's two-week deadline to submit plans. Adam Gustafson, principal deputy assistant attorney general, confirmed "initiated outreach" to review panels but noted no specific date had been established.
Trump's Response and Project Details
Speaking at a Tuesday evening Hannukah event, President Trump thanked the judge for "courage in making the proper decision." He mentioned the ballroom's cost as $400 million, though previous estimates placed it at $300 million.
Carol Quillen, National Trust president and CEO, affirmed the organization's commitment to "upholding the interests of the American people and advocating for compliance with the law," including proper review processes and public comment opportunities.
Legal Arguments and Standing
Gustafson argued the Trust lacks standing to sue and that underground construction must continue for unspecified national security reasons. He also contended Trump is exempt from federal laws the Trust claims he violated.
The government attorney maintained the Trust cannot prove "irreparable harm" since ballroom plans remain unfinalized and above-ground construction isn't scheduled before April.
Tad Heuer, representing the Trust, countered that allowing construction without independent reviews lets the government delay revealing the ballroom's final appearance. "It's not about the need for a ballroom. It's about the need to follow the law," Heuer emphasized.
Background and Recent Developments
Trump proceeded with ballroom construction before consulting federal review panels—the National Capital Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts. The president recently dismissed all fine arts panel members without naming replacements.
The White House announced the project last summer, and by late October, Trump had demolished the East Wing to construct a ballroom he claims will accommodate 999 people using approximately $300 million in private funding.
