A US judge has ordered a stop to President Donald Trump’s plan to build a massive ballroom at the White House. The historic East Wing has already been completely demolished.

Judge Rules Congress Must Approve Construction

Judge Richard Leon emphasized that Trump is the “steward” of the White House but “he is not, however, the owner!” He added that congressional approval is required for the project to proceed.

The ruling followed a legal challenge from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit group that protects historic buildings.

Trump Defends Project and Private Funding

Trump, a billionaire real estate developer, expressed frustration over the ruling. “He’s so wrong,” he told reporters. He said Congress does not need to approve the project because it will be funded by private donors, not taxpayers.

White House Files Appeal Immediately

The administration filed an appeal within hours of the ruling. The ballroom is clearly a high-priority project for Trump. Last year, he shocked many by bulldozing part of the White House to make space for it.

Trump Calls National Trust a ‘Radical Left Group of Lunatics’

On social media, Trump criticized the National Trust and described the ballroom as “the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World.” He has repeatedly discussed the project, often digressing during speeches about its design and features.

Ballroom Set to Be Trump’s Largest White House Mark

The ballroom would be Trump’s most significant addition to the US capital since his return to office in January 2025. His administration has already added gold decorations to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden, and placed his name on the Kennedy Arts Center.

Cost and Funding of Ballroom

Originally estimated at $200 million, the ballroom now could cost up to $400 million. Trump says private donors, including wealthy supporters and corporations, will fund it.

Judge Leon Emphasizes Congressional Authority

Judge Leon ruled that only Congress has the authority to approve the project and decide funding. He wrote, “Ballroom construction project must stop until Congress authorizes its completion,” granting a two-week delay to allow an appeal.

“No statute comes close to giving the president the authority he claims to have,” Leon added. He explained that Trump could request explicit congressional approval to proceed with private funding, or Congress could choose to provide funding. “Either way, Congress will thereby retain its authority over the nation’s property and its oversight over the Government’s spending,” the judge concluded.