Judge denies ‘ragtag’ bid to stop Trump’s $400m White House ballroom construction

PoliticsArchitecture
27 Feb 2026 • 6:53 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A federal judge in Washington rejected a lawsuit aimed at blocking the White House ballroom project, which is being built with private funds.
  • US District Judge Richard Leon denied the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request for an injunction to halt construction.
  • The judge found the preservation group's legal arguments were based on a “ragtag group of theories” and incorrectly failed to allege the project was ultra vires.
  • Despite the rejection, the ruling left an opening for the National Trust to revive its challenge if it amends its complaint with the correct legal claims.
  • Donald Trump celebrated the decision, stating the ballroom, intended for large events, is ahead of schedule and under budget, funded by “patriot donors.”

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