A leading historic preservation organization has taken President Donald Trump to court over his plan to build a massive new ballroom on White House grounds, asking a federal judge to immediately halt construction that is already underway.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that the administration launched the project without legally required reviews, public notice, or explicit congressional approval. At issue is the rapid demolition of the East Wing annex, which began in October, and preparations for a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom the president hopes to finish before leaving office in 2029.
In its complaint, the nonprofit contends the White House bypassed oversight bodies that traditionally review alterations to federally significant sites, including the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. The lawsuit also alleges violations of environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and raises constitutional concerns about executive authority, writes The Washington Post.
“No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever — not President Trump, not President Joe Biden, and not anyone else,” the lawsuit states.
The National Trust is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop work while the court considers its claims. Construction activity has continued around the clock despite the absence of formal submissions to the National Capital Planning Commission, according to the filing.
White House officials have pushed back, insisting the president has broad discretion to renovate and expand the executive mansion. “President Trump has full legal authority to modernize, renovate, and beautify the White House — just like all of his predecessors did,” spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement.
Administration representatives have also emphasized that the ballroom is being financed entirely through private donations, with no taxpayer funds involved. The White House has acknowledged that major corporations and wealthy individuals are among the contributors, some of whom have been granted anonymity.
The planning commission’s chairman, Will Scharf — a former Trump personal attorney who now serves as White House staff secretary — told reporters that design plans would be submitted later this month.
National Trust CEO Carol Quillen said the lawsuit followed months of unsuccessful attempts to persuade the administration to slow down and submit the project to public review. “The lawsuit is our last resort,” Quillen said. “We serve the people, and the people are not being served in this process.”
Trump has made the ballroom a personal priority, portraying it as both a legacy project and a practical upgrade. Speaking to lawmakers Thursday evening, the president said that “in a very short period of time — like about a year and a half — you’re going to have the best ballroom anywhere in the country.” He has previously suggested that advisers told him the presidency comes with wide latitude to alter the White House residence.
The National Trust has stressed that it is not categorically opposed to adding a ballroom, provided the process follows established law and respects the historic character of the site.
