U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to a federal judge’s recent ruling that maintains the suspension of above-ground construction on a $400 million White House ballroom project. The judge’s decision permits only underground work on a bunker and other essential “national security facilities” at the location.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon follows a directive from an appeals court to clarify a prior decision regarding the 8,400-square-meter ballroom project, which involved demolishing the East Wing of the White House. Trump criticized Judge Leon on social media, labeling him a biased judge who is obstructing national security and causing delays to the project.
The administration has indicated its intention to challenge Judge Leon’s latest ruling by seeking a review from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Meanwhile, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which had filed a lawsuit against the project, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.
Judge Leon clarified that work on security measures below ground is not affected by the suspension on above-ground construction. The government has argued that the project includes crucial security features to protect against various potential threats, including drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.
The recent ruling by Judge Leon came after a three-judge panel from the D.C. appeals court instructed him to reconsider the potential national security implications of halting construction. In his previous order, Judge Leon prohibited above-ground work on the ballroom without congressional approval but allowed construction necessary for White House safety and security.
Leon decided to pause the enforcement of his latest ruling for a week, granting the administration additional time to seek Supreme Court review. He emphasized that the suspension only applies to above-ground construction of the ballroom, while work on underground structures like bunkers, military facilities, and medical installations can continue.
The appeals court panel noted that more information is needed to determine the extent to which the project can be halted without compromising the safety of the president, his family, or White House personnel. Despite acknowledging the safety concerns, Judge Leon stressed that national security does not justify unlawful activities and that he is not inclined to oversee construction activities.
The White House ballroom project received final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission on April 2, following the completion of the demolition of the East Wing. The project, which Trump claimed would accommodate 999 people, is said to be funded by private donations, with public funds allocated for bunker construction and security enhancements.