Trump Wins Approval for White House Ballroom Construction

President Trump celebrated a win on Thursday as a federal judge permitted his administration to proceed with the construction of the ambitious $400 million ballroom at the White House.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that the project did not breach federal laws, despite arguments from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In response, Trump expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Great news for America and our great White House! The judge has abandoned efforts to block what will become the world’s most beautiful ballroom.” He shared this sentiment on his social platform.

Judge Leon did imply, however, that the National Trust could potentially refile the case under a different legal basis.

Trump continued to tout the project, noting that the construction is ahead of schedule and on track financially. He mentioned that the ballroom would serve future inaugurations and state visits, declaring it a lasting symbol of American greatness.

The proposed ballroom will cover 90,000 square feet, significantly larger than the existing White House and set to be built where the former East Wing stood.

Additionally, Trump described the lavish venue as “impenetrable,” featuring a “drone-proof ceiling” and bulletproof glass. There are hints that renovations to the White House nuclear bunker may occur alongside this project.

Last year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, tasked with maintaining historic buildings, filed a lawsuit aiming to halt the construction, claiming it did not adhere to federal regulations.

They argued that the administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which mandates that federal agencies follow specific guidelines and keep the public informed about certain actions. Yet, Leon concluded that the White House Executive Residence, which is leading the ballroom project, does not qualify as a federal agency under this act.

He stated, “Unfortunately for plaintiffs, their challenge fails because the White House office at issue is not an ‘agency’ under the APA.”

Leon also pointed out that the National Trust had not successfully demonstrated that the president had overstepped his authority.

To fund the ballroom, President Trump has received donations from private individuals.

Just last week, the Fine Arts Commission of Washington, D.C.—whose members Trump personally appointed—unanimously approved his extravagant ballroom project.

The president still needs to obtain approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, led by Chief of Staff William Schaaf, with a meeting slated for March 5.