Court halts White House ballroom construction

US District Judge Richard Leon has ruled that President Donald Trump cannot proceed with the construction of a planned White House ballroom without congressional approval. The $400 million project must therefore be temporarily halted while the legal challenge continues.

The court granted a motion by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that the administration had overstepped its authority by demolishing the historic East Wing and beginning construction of a new building. The judge said the president is not the owner of the White House but its custodian, and cannot undertake such a project without legal authorisation.

The ruling has been stayed for 14 days to allow the administration to appeal, a step it has already taken. Trump has criticised the plaintiffs, arguing that the project is privately funded and does not place a burden on taxpayers.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation welcomed the decision as a victory for historic preservation. The administration, however, maintains that the project is intended to modernise the site and improve security.

(reuters, max)