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A leading historic preservation group has filed a lawsuit against U.S. President Donald Trump and several federal agencies in an effort to block construction of a proposed $300 million ballroom at the White House site, raising significant legal and preservation concerns. The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Washington, D.C., challenges the demolition of the White House’s East Wing and the rapid advancement of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom project without what the group says are legally required reviews and approvals.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon confirmed he will hold a hearing on Tuesday to consider the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request for a temporary order to stop construction. According to the nonprofit organization, the project moved forward without public input and failed to comply with federal statutes that mandate consultations with the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts before altering historically significant federal property.
The lawsuit argues that no president has the unilateral authority to demolish parts of the White House without oversight, regardless of party affiliation. The group is also seeking to pause construction until environmental impact reviews are completed, relevant federal commissions approve the plans, and Congress formally authorizes the project.
The ballroom is part of a series of major changes President Trump has made to the White House since returning to office in January. These changes reportedly include extensive gold décor added to the Oval Office and the replacement of the Rose Garden lawn with a paved patio reminiscent of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
In response, White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that President Trump has full legal authority to modernize, renovate, and enhance the White House, noting that past presidents have also made significant changes to the historic residence.
Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, emphasized that public engagement is essential when altering a symbol of American democracy. She said that inviting public comment reflects respect for the nation’s heritage and helps ensure changes leave a lasting and appropriate legacy.
