Trump's Ambitious Rp6.8 Trillion Project Hit by Judge's Rebuke: Stop Now!
A US judge has officially ordered the complete cessation of the construction of a lavish US$400 million (Rp6.8 trillion) ballroom at the White House, initiated by President Donald Trump. This legal action follows the president’s demolition of the historic East Wing last year to make way for the massive 90,000 square foot project.
US District Judge Richard Leon in Washington granted a preliminary injunction requested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation on Tuesday (31/03/2026). The non-profit organisation filed the lawsuit alleging that Trump exceeded his authority by razing the East Wing and beginning construction without congressional approval.
Judge Leon’s decision, made by a George W. Bush appointee, halts the ballroom project unless it receives official legislative endorsement. In his opinion, Leon asserted that the construction cannot proceed illegally without clear legal backing.
“Unless and until Congress authorises this project through legislation, the construction must be stopped! But here is the good news. It is not too late for Congress to permit the continuation of the ballroom project,” Leon wrote in his opinion on Tuesday.
The Trump administration reportedly filed an immediate appeal against the order. Shortly after the ruling, Trump launched an attack on the National Trust for Historic Preservation via his Truth Social platform, labelling it an extremist group.
“They are a crazy radical left group. This ballroom is being built under budget, ahead of schedule, built at no cost to taxpayers, and will be the best building of its kind anywhere in the world,” Donald Trump claimed in his statement.
In a subsequent post, Trump continued to assail the judge’s decision, calling it a major mistake. He insisted that the president has full authority over renovations to his official residence without parliamentary interference.
“He is WRONG! Congressional approval has never been given for anything, in this case big or small, related to construction at the White House,” Trump asserted.
Historically, Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with President Harry Truman, who oversaw the last major White House renovation from 1949 to 1952. At that time, Truman sought and ultimately received congressional approval for his renovation plans.
Leon stated in his order that Trump must take a similar approach to his predecessor. He emphasised the importance of the separation of powers in managing national assets and expenditures.
“The President can go to Congress at any time to obtain explicit authority to build the ballroom and do so with private funds,” Leon wrote again in his opinion.
Furthermore, Leon explained that congressional involvement is key to upholding the constitution. If this procedure is followed, the current legal dispute could be resolved in a manner true to the law.
“Indeed, Congress might even choose to allocate funds for the ballroom, or at least determine that some other funding scheme is acceptable. Either way, Congress will retain its authority over national property and its oversight of government spending,” Leon added.
Judge Leon also stressed that the interests of the American public far outweigh the mere physical construction of a building. According to him, adherence to legal processes is a victory for American democracy.
“The National Trust’s interest in constitutional and lawful processes will be vindicated. And the American people will benefit from government branches fulfilling their constitutionally assigned roles. Not a bad outcome, that!” Leon stated.
This decision comes after months of intense litigation in court. Earlier this month, Leon had signalled scepticism towards the government’s argument that the ballroom construction was merely a routine change to the White House grounds.
“I have a hard time seeing this as a ‘change’,” Leon said at the time.
On the other hand, White House lawyers have stuck to their initial arguments. The presidential legal team contended that the president does not require congressional approval for the project, viewing it as part of executive prerogative.
In February, Leon initially rejected the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s early request to halt the ballroom construction on procedural grounds. However, he indicated he would consider the amended lawsuit, which the group refiled shortly thereafter.
It was previously reported that the project is funded by private donors and major corporations including Meta, Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Palantir, Google, and Comcast.