Judge Leon Blocks Trump's White House Ballroom Construction Over National Security Concerns
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon has issued a ruling to halt the above-ground construction of a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, initiated by President Trump. The decision comes after the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the project, citing the lack of congressional authorization and potential historical preservation issues. Judge Leon's ruling allows for underground construction related to national security, such as bunkers and military installations, to proceed. The administration had argued that the ballroom was essential for national security, but Leon dismissed this claim, stating that the ballroom construction does not fall within the safety-and-security exception he previously outlined. The Department of Justice has appealed the decision, and the case is pending further review by the D.C. Circuit. 
