A federal judge has strongly criticised Donald Trump’s plan to build a £300m ballroom in the White House’s East Wing, describing the administration’s legal arguments as “brazen”. Judge Richard Leon indicated he may halt the project later this month when he rules on a lawsuit brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP).
During a hearing in Washington DC on Tuesday, Judge Leon expressed difficulty in classifying the demolition and construction as an “alteration”. The NTHP is seeking to stop the project until the president obtains congressional approval and passes independent reviews. The lawsuit argues that Trump lacks the legal authority to impose his private wishes on the historic building.
White House lawyers contend that Trump does not need outside permission, citing national security, existing congressional allocations for maintenance, and private funding. However, Judge Leon called the administration’s shifting legal theories a “brazen interpretation of the law”, adding that Trump is a steward of the White House, not its owner.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the project, including the firing of all six members of the US Commission of Fine Arts in October and replacing them with appointees who approved the plan. The National Capital Planning Commission has postponed its vote until April to assess public input.
NTHP attorney Thaddeus Heuer accused the administration of a “months-long merry-go-round ride” over responsibility, delaying the legal process. Judge Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, is expected to rule by the end of March, and has noted that his decision will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.
