The US Department of Justice has used a weekend shooting in Washington DC to pressure a preservation group to drop a lawsuit against Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom. Several Trump administration officials, including the president, cited the incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner to argue that the $400 million project is needed as a 'safe space'.
On Sunday night, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche posted a letter to lawyers for the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), calling the lawsuit 'frivolous' and demanding its withdrawal. The letter, signed by Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, claimed the lawsuit 'puts the lives of the President, his family, and staff at grave risk'.
Shumate argued that the White House ballroom is 'essential for the safety of the president', noting that the Washington Hilton, where Saturday's shooting occurred, is the only large ballroom in the capital and is 'demonstrably unsafe'. Trump echoed this on Truth Social, saying security agencies have demanded a safe ballroom for 150 years.
The project has faced legal hurdles. In March, a district court granted a preliminary injunction against the demolition of the East Wing, but a federal appeals panel later stayed that order, allowing construction to continue. The next hearing is set for 5 June.
The NTHP has stated it remains committed to its lawsuit, emphasising the historic significance of the White House and the need for broad consultation.
