Court Halts White House Ballroom Construction Pending Congressional Approval

A federal court has ordered a halt to the construction of a ballroom at the White House, requiring congressional approval for the project to proceed.

Judge Richard Leon in Washington, D.C., appointed by President George Bush, granted a request from a cultural heritage advocacy group for a temporary restraining order.

The court found that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is likely to win the case, stating that "no law gives the President the authority he claims to have."

Judge Leon suspended the implementation of his order for 14 days, acknowledging potential impacts on the supply chain and the likelihood of an appeal by the government.

The construction of the ballroom was announced by the White House last summer, with plans for a hall that would accommodate 999 people, funded by private donations and contributions from then-President Trump.