January 1, Legal Twist Pauses Trump’s White House Ballroom Plan

Wyatt’s Take

• A federal judge ordered the $400 million ballroom project to stop until Congress approves it.
• The administration says the work is being funded by private donors, not taxpayers.
• Officials have two weeks to appeal before the ruling takes full effect.

District Court Judge Richard Leon issued the order after a historic preservation group said the project skipped federal review steps.

The planned 90,000-square-foot venue was set to replace the demolished East Wing with private funding.

“The president may at any time go to Congress to obtain express authority to construct a ballroom and to do so with private funds,” Leon wrote.

Trump says presidents do not need congressional permission for renovations that do not rely on federal tax dollars.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” the judge wrote.

The administration is expected to move quickly through the D.C. Circuit Court to keep the project alive.

Wyatt Matters

Middle America understands that private money should not be met with endless red tape when the goal is to improve a national landmark.

Source: Judge WH ballroom construction must stop until it receives congressional approval