U.S. President Donald Trump walks away after speaking to the media upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews following a visit to North Carolina, in Maryland, U.S., June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
(Washington, DC) – A federal judge has ordered a halt to above-ground construction tied to a proposed White House ballroom, while allowing work on underground security features to continue.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that visible construction on the East Wing site must stop, but clarified that work below ground—particularly on facilities tied to presidential safety—can move forward under strict limits.
The decision follows a legal challenge to the Trump administration’s plan to build a large, privately funded ballroom on the White House grounds. The original East Wing structure was demolished last year to make way for the project, sparking backlash from preservation groups.
Leon’s updated order allows essential work such as sealing, structural reinforcement, and protecting the underground site. However, he made clear that any progress cannot lock in the final size or scope of the proposed ballroom above ground.
The ruling came after an appeals court asked the judge to reconsider how a full construction freeze might impact national security. Government attorneys argued that halting the project entirely could leave sensitive areas exposed and create risks for the president.
The order is temporarily paused for several days as the administration moves to appeal, setting up a potential legal battle over the future of the project.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by preservation advocates, who argue the changes to the White House complex should be blocked, while the administration maintains the project is necessary for both functionality and security.
