The Justice Department is leveraging the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner to urge preservationists to abandon their lawsuit against President Donald Trump's proposed $400 million ballroom project at the White House. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday via X, "It's time to build the ballroom," and shared a letter from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. The letter gives the National Trust for Historic Preservation until 9 a.m. Monday to withdraw its lawsuit, or the government will seek a court dismissal "in light of last night's extraordinary events." Shumate described the Washington Hilton, site of Saturday's gala, as "demonstrably unsafe" for presidential events due to security challenges. He argued that the White House ballroom would ensure presidential safety for decades and prevent future assassination attempts.
Preservation Group Responds
Elliot Carter, spokesperson for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, confirmed the group will review the letter with legal counsel. The preservation organization filed its lawsuit in December, a week after the East Wing was demolished to make way for a 999-person ballroom. Trump claims the project is privately funded, though public money covers bunker construction and security upgrades.
Political Reactions
Republicans have intensified support for the ballroom. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) agreed "100%" with Trump, calling it a safer venue. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) deemed the ballroom a "national security necessity." Even some Democrats, like Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), who attended the dinner, expressed support, noting the vulnerability of attendees due to the presence of many in the presidential line of succession.
Security Breaches at the White House
Historically, the White House has experienced numerous security breaches. In 2014, a knife-wielding Army veteran scaled the fence and entered the East Room. A 1994 incident involved a stolen plane crashing on the South Lawn. In 2009, uninvited guests crashed a state dinner, prompting investigations.
Project Status
Construction is ongoing despite litigation. A federal appeals court recently allowed work to continue, though a lower court blocked above-ground construction until a June 5 hearing. Trump predicted the ballroom would be complete by the end of his term, stating, "In the year '28 you’re going to have a ballroom, the top of the line, security."
