A federal judge ordered the Trump administration Tuesday to stop construction of President Donald Trump’s $400 million ballroom until Congress authorizes it.
District Court Judge Richard Leon, appointed by George W. Bush, sided with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit group that sued Trump in December after he demolished the East Wing.
“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Leon began in his 35-page opinion.
He agreed the president likely needed Congressional approval to replace an entire section of the White House and raised questions about the “convoluted funding scheme” that has led the administration to rely on private donations to fund its construction.
But Leon added that it was “not too late” for Congress to authorize the continued construction and Trump could go to them at any time to seek permission to use private funding.
The Independent has asked the White House for comment
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