On 31 July 2025 the White House announced a “State Ballroom” of about 90,000 square feet on the site of the East Wing, paid for by “President Trump, and other patriot donors.” On 20 October Trump announced that ground had been broken; by 23 October the East Wing was gone. Later plans showed 89,000 square feet, seating for 1,000 and a projected cost of about $400 million. [1]
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued in December 2025. On 31 March 2026 Judge Richard Leon granted an injunction: “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” He wrote that “no statute comes close” to giving the president the authority he claimed. [1]
On 16 April he narrowed the order to bar above-ground construction of the ballroom while allowing below-ground work, including national-security facilities, and work needed for the president’s safety. [2]
On 7 August a divided D.C. Circuit panel affirmed. “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,” Judges Millett and Garcia wrote, adding that the ruling had “nothing at all to do with whether the proposed ballroom is desirable.” Judge Rao dissented. [3]
On 31 August the Supreme Court, 5–4, stayed the injunction while the government seeks review. Chief Justice Roberts dissented, joined by Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson. Construction can continue for now. [4]
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