On Tuesday afternoon, lawyers representing the Trump administration and a historic preservation group will face off in court over the controversial construction of a new White House ballroom. The proposed $300 million project, taking place on the site of the now-demolished East Wing, has prompted a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They argue that no sitting president possesses the legal authority to demolish parts of the White House without a thorough review. “No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever — not President Trump, not President Biden, and not anyone else,” the National Trust stated in its filing with U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.
The National Trust maintains that the ballroom project has already inflicted “irreversible damage” on the historic residence. In their suit, they are asking the court to impose a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction, effectively halting any further work on the ballroom until federal commissions can fully assess and approve the plans. The lawsuit highlights alleged breaches of several legal statutes, including the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, asserting that the construction cannot proceed without authorization from Congress and appropriate federal bodies.
On the opposing side, the Justice Department has come to Trump’s defense. In a recent court filing, they argue that the president has the statutory authority to modify his residence as he sees fit. They point out Trump’s active involvement in the project, noting that he has participated in planning meetings, discussions on the design, and even selected the architect. The department argues that the project is within Trump’s rights as president.
The Trump administration is not only defending the legal authority of the project but also expressing concerns about security at the White House. Lawyers for Trump assert that halting the construction would create security vulnerabilities. They reference a statement from the Secret Service’s deputy director, Matthew Quinn, indicating that improvements to the site are crucial for meeting the safety requirements of the agency. Quinn’s declaration emphasizes that any pause in construction, even temporarily, would hinder the Secret Service’s ability to fulfill its protective mission.
Trump initially announced his vision for the new ballroom back in July, projecting costs around $200 million for the expansive, 90,000-square-foot addition to the White House. He has repeatedly assured that the funding for the project would come entirely from his personal resources and “a few friends of mine.” As the legal battle unfolds, the clash between preservationists and the Trump administration encapsulates the ongoing tension between historical conservation and executive power. The outcome of the court proceedings could set important precedents regarding the treatment of federal properties and the powers held by the presidency.
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