A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday temporarily halted construction of a new White House ballroom ordered by President Trump.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction requested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argues the administration overstepped its authority by demolishing the historic East Wing and beginning construction without congressional approval. The order blocks any further development tied to the proposed ballroom.
The group contends neither the president nor the National Park Service had the authority to demolish the structure or proceed with a major new project on White House grounds without explicit approval from Congress.
Leon said the injunction will take effect in 14 days, allowing time for an appeal.
