Washington: A federal judge has ordered the administration of Donald Trump to halt construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The project had begun after the demolition of the East Wing. The court directed an immediate suspension of all work, dealing a setback to the administration’s plans.
District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction sought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He said the group was likely to succeed in its case, adding that no law appeared to give the President the authority claimed for the project. Leon, who was nominated by former President George W Bush, wrote that the US President is a steward of the White House, not its owner.
The judge suspended enforcement of the order for 14 days, noting that the case raises “novel and weighty issues". He said stopping an ongoing project could create logistical challenges. He also acknowledged that the administration may appeal. Work required for the safety and security of the White House is exempt from the order.
Trump defended the project, saying it is under budget, ahead of schedule and funded without taxpayer money. He has said the ballroom will be privately financed by donors and will not interfere with the existing structure. Construction began on October 20 last year with demolition work on part of the East Wing.
