OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
5:02 PM – Thursday, February 26, 2026
A federal judge has rejected an attempt by a preservationist group to stop President Donald Trump’s proposed $400 million ballroom project, which would be built onto the White House’s East Wing.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon rejected the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)’s attempt to temporary halt to the project, ruling that the Executive Residence is not a government agency and that the lawsuit, as currently filed, fails to properly present the claims for the court’s review.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” Leon wrote.
President Trump celebrated the decision, calling it “great news for America” in a Truth Social post on Thursday.
“The Judge on the case of what will be the most beautiful Ballroom anywhere in the World, has just thrown out, and completely erased, the effort to stop its construction,” he wrote.
The president then went on to push back against claims that the ballroom would rely on taxpayer funds, reiterating that the project would not conflict with his broader commitment to reducing government spending as it would be paid for by donors.
“As everyone knows, not one dollar of Taxpayer money is being spent, but rather, all money necessary to build this magnificent building is being put up by Patriot Donors and Contributors,” Trump said.
He also reiterated the ballroom’s purpose, which is to finally provide a proper space for gatherings to be held at the White House.
“The Ballroom construction, which is anticipated to also handle future Inaugurations and large State Visits, is ahead of schedule, and under budget,” he reported. “It will stand long into the future as a symbol to the Greatness of America!”
Previously, foreign delegations and state visits have been held on the White House lawn under temporary coverings with mobile restroom trailers, an arrangement Trump finds “embarrassing.” The planned 90,000 square foot venue will have a seated capacity of 650 people and would put an end to the need for what White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described as a “large and unsightly tent.”
Great news for America, and our wonderful White House! The Judge on the case of what will be the most beautiful Ballroom anywhere in the World, has just thrown out, and completely erased, the effort to stop its construction. As everyone knows, not one dollar of Taxpayer money is…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) February 26, 2026
The NTHP is a nonprofit organization that has a goal of saving American historical sites. The White House, however, has undergone construction and refurbishment several times throughout U.S. history, as it was initially intended to be the president’s private residence.
“Why didn’t these obstructionists and troublemakers bring their baseless lawsuit much earlier?” Trump questioned in January. “Congress never tried, or wanted, to stop the Ballroom Project! Everyone knew what was taking place at the White House — A great, big, beautiful gift to the United States of America!”
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