A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to bypass a court order blocking construction of a $400 million White House ballroom. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Thursday that national security concerns do not provide a blank check to proceed with the controversial 90,000-square-foot project without congressional approval.

Administration’s Creative Interpretation Rejected

The White House argued that Judge Leon’s exception for security-related construction meant the entire ballroom could be built. Leon called this interpretation neither reasonable nor correct, noting the administration’s claim was disingenuous at best. The judge emphasized that while underground bunker work can continue, above-ground ballroom construction remains halted pending congressional authorization. The administration had attempted to classify the entire project as a security necessity.

Leon pointed out the ballroom won’t be completed until 2028, undermining claims of immediate security threats. The seven-day delay before the order takes effect allowed the Justice Department to file an appeal within hours. Trump attacked Leon on Truth Social, calling the George W. Bush appointee a Trump-hating judge who undermines national security. The president claimed no future president can be safe without this ballroom.

Historic Preservation Groups Celebrate Victory

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed the original lawsuit, praised the ruling. CEO Carol Quillen said the decision upholds the preliminary injunction and protects historic White House grounds. The preservation group contends Trump lacks authority to launch this massive construction project without congressional approval. The lawsuit argues the administration violated federal preservation laws by proceeding unilaterally. Leon’s clarification came after an appeals court ordered him to specify the scope of his injunction.

Legal Battle Continues

The ruling permits below-ground construction of national security facilities and limited above-ground work to protect those underground structures. However, construction cannot lock in the ballroom’s planned size and scale. The Justice Department adapted Trump’s argument that security exceptions covered the entire project. Leon’s decision emphasized that national security is not a blank check for otherwise unlawful activity. The administration’s immediate appeal sets up another round in federal court.