Republican-Appointed Judge Orders Limits on Trump's White House Ballroom

A federal judge on Thursday limited construction of President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom, allowing underground security work to continue while halting most above‑ground construction.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said the Trump administration may proceed with excavations and construction of bunkers and other national security facilities beneath the site but must stop work on the ballroom structure itself unless Congress grants approval. Leon clarified his ruling after a federal appeals court instructed him to reconsider potential national security risks associated with a total construction halt.

Government lawyers had argued the $400 million project includes security features designed to protect against threats such as drones, ballistic missiles and biohazards, and that stopping construction could jeopardize presidential safety.

Leon, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, rejected claims that the entire ballroom project qualifies for a national security exemption. "National security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity," he wrote.

The judge paused enforcement of his latest ruling for one week, giving the administration additional time to seek Supreme Court review.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued last year, arguing the demolition of the White House's East Wing and construction of the ballroom required congressional approval. Trump has said the ballroom will be funded by private donations, though public funds are covering underground security upgrades.

The National Capital Planning Commission approved the project earlier this month, and the administration had planned to begin above‑ground construction this spring.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this article.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 12:53 PM.