USA16 December, 20251 min read
Judge Richard Leon Leans Toward Denying Preservationists’ Request To Halt President Donald Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
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Judge Richard Leon is inclined to deny preservationists' request to temporarily halt ballroom construction National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to halt the project pending reviews and congressional approval
6 outlets told this the same way.
Court review of East Wing
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon signaled Tuesday that he is leaning toward denying the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request for a temporary restraining order to halt President Trump’s planned East Wing modernization and state ballroom project.
“A federal judge said Tuesday he is leaning toward denying the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request for a temporary restraining order to stop President Trump’s East Wing modernization and State Ballroom project, finding the group had not shown it would suffer ‘irreparable harm.’”
Leon found the Trust had not demonstrated the "irreparable harm" required for emergency relief.
He said he could issue a final ruling as soon as Wednesday but will hold a further hearing in January on the Trust’s broader request.
Court oversight of ballroom
Judge Leon warned the court will not allow underground work to predetermine the ballroom’s final dimensions or design. He instructed the administration that if such work fixes the ballroom’s size or shape, the court may require it be undone. He added the court will hold the administration to its commitment to meet with the National Capital Planning Commission by the end of December.
Court dispute over construction project
The Justice Department defended the project in court and argued that the Trust lacks standing. The department cited national-security needs for some underground work. DOJ counsel told the judge the plans are still "in progress," could be changed, and could not say whether pouring concrete underground might fix dimensions.
“After the hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the government’s success and denounced the lawsuit as a ‘bad‑faith left‑wing’ attack.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly praised the government's position. In at least one account, she denounced the suit as a "bad-faith left-wing" attack.
Ballroom project review dispute
Preservationists' attorneys warned that allowing underground work to go forward prior to independent review and congressional sign‑off effectively lets the administration decide the ballroom's scope by default. Reporting across outlets notes the administration proceeded without prior consultation with the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts and has reshaped or dismissed members of those review panels. These process and transparency claims are central to the Trust's broader request for pause and independent review.