The Trump administration has asserted that the ongoing construction of a new ballroom at the White House is essential for national security, despite opposition from preservationists. But now the National Trust for Historic Preservation has called on a federal judge to block the $300 million project. Additional projects include building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom by 2029.
The National Trust, a privately funded organization, seeks to block the ballroom addition in U.S. District Court, arguing that the project threatens the historical integrity of the White House. Indeed, the administration continues to claim that the plaintiff’s claims regarding the East Wing demolition do not even matter. They argue that because the building was demolished as of this past October, there is no remedy available.
John Stanwich, the National Park Service’s liaison to the White House on the project, assured us that activity below ground on the site is bustling. He is the former deputy director of the U.S. Secret Service. He further insisted that this kind of construction is motivated by “safety and security requirements.”
The project has been roundly criticized by historic preservation advocates and Trump’s political opponents alike. Yet opponents contend that the large alterations to the protected historic building have damaged its integrity and pose ethical transparency issues.
Right now, the work continues below ground, with foundation work expected to start in January 2024. It does not appear that above-ground construction would be able to start before April 2026 at the soonest. The administration has stated that the project “will soon be underway without … involvement” from outside parties.
The federal court hearing on this issue will happen in Washington, D.C. The administration contends that even if the plaintiff could overcome legal challenges including mootness and lack of standing, they would still fail to meet stringent requirements necessary for obtaining a preliminary injunction.
“Even if plaintiff could overcome the threshold barriers of mootness, ripeness, and lack of standing, plaintiff would fail to meet each of the stringent requirements necessary to obtain such extraordinary preliminary relief.” – The administration