National Trust Sues President Trump Over White House Ballroom Project

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against President Trump today, seeking to halt construction on a proposed White House ballroom until the project undergoes proper federal review and receives Congressional approval.

The lawsuit demands a comprehensive architecture review, a public comment period, and authorization from Congress before construction proceeds. According to the legal filing, the organization alleges Trump committed multiple violations of the Administrative Procedures Act and the National Environmental Policy Act by fast-tracking the project. The suit further claims the president exceeded his constitutional authority by moving forward without Congressional approval for a project of this magnitude.

The legal action follows Trump's October decision to bypass standard federal building practices and historical reviews when he ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing. If completed as planned, the new ballroom would measure nearly twice the size of the White House prior to the East Wing's removal.

The White House is expected to submit construction plans for the ballroom to a federal planning commission before the end of the year. The National Trust is asking the court to prevent any construction activity until all required reviews and approvals are obtained.