Trump administration files emergency motion to resume ballroom work, citing security issues
A judge’s order halting construction of a White House ballroom poses security risks, the Trump administration said in an emergency motion seeking to overturn the ruling.
Filed Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the motion says U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s decision left the executive mansion “open and exposed” and threatens “grave national security harms” to the White House, the president, his family, and staff.
Leon ruled Tuesday that construction must pause while a lawsuit proceeds. The suit seeks to stop the $400 million project on the site of the recently demolished East Wing, arguing it requires congressional approval. Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, paused his order for 14 days to allow an appeal.
The National Park Service said the district court lacks constitutional authority “to entertain this suit, which rests on a single pedestrian’s subjective architectural feelings.”
The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which says Trump exceeded his authority by demolishing the historic East Wing and starting construction.
The administration calls the claims “legally baseless,” says no Trust member has standing, and argues the president has complete authority to renovate the White House.
The East Wing was built in 1902 and expanded about four decades later during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency.
The ballroom is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape Washington’s monumental core, including plans for a 250 foot arch and changes at the Kennedy Center.
