The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit against the White House to halt construction of President Donald Trump’s new ballroom. The nonprofit claims the White House did not follow required legal reviews before demolishing the historic East Wing in October.
“No president can legally tear down parts of the White House without review, not Trump, not Biden, not anyone else,” the lawsuit states. The group is asking a federal court in Washington DC to stop construction until the White House completes mandated review processes, including a public comment period.
The lawsuit alleges the White House failed to file plans with the National Capital Planning Commission, did not conduct an environmental assessment, and bypassed Congressional authorization. It also claims Trump is violating the Constitution, which grants Congress authority over federal property.
The White House defended the project, saying Trump has full authority to modernize and enhance the White House, as previous presidents did. The East Wing was demolished to make way for a multi-million-dollar ballroom, funded by private donors. Plans have grown from a 500-person space to a ballroom that can hold 1,350 guests.
The suit describes the grounds as “a bustling construction site” with cranes, heavy machinery, and constant activity. Last week, the White House replaced the project’s lead architect after reported disagreements over the scale of the addition.
