Judge Blocks Trump's $400 Million White House Ballroom Project

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction blocking former President Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom project at the White House.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization, filed a lawsuit claiming that Trump exceeded his authority by planning to demolish the historic East Wing without Congressional approval. Judge Leon emphasized that the President is a steward of the White House and does not own it, thus requiring Congressional consent for such significant alterations.

The project, which aims to create a 90,000 square foot ballroom, has been described as a part of Trump's broader initiative to reshape Washington's monument core. The judge's ruling represents a significant setback for Trump's administration, which has faced opposition from various federal agencies regarding the project.

The ballroom was intended to bolster security and modernize the White House's infrastructure, funded entirely by private donors.