Trump’s White House Ballroom Plan Stalls as Congress Balks
Donald Trump’s plan for a $400 million White House ballroom has been halted after a federal judge ordered construction to stop unless Congress authorizes the project. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the president is “the steward of the White House,” not its owner, rejecting the administration’s argument that it could proceed without lawmakers’ approval even if funded by “patriot donors.” The administration has appealed the decision, but the project faces political headwinds on Capitol Hill, where Democrats oppose it and many Republicans have avoided endorsing it during a midterm election cycle. The ruling also follows demolition of the East Wing last year as part of the effort, leaving the ballroom’s future dependent on either congressional action or success in court.
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This story was covered in Record Sales, Restored Masterpieces, and War’s Shadow