Judge halts aboveground construction of Trump's White House ballroom

Key Points:

• A US judge has halted the above-ground construction of President Trump's White House ballroom project, stating that Congressional approval is required, but allowed the underground bunker plans to proceed.
• The judge ruled that Trump appeared to be circumventing a previous court order by reclassifying the ballroom as essential for national security.
• The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the White House, arguing that construction began without proper filings, environmental assessments, or Congressional authorization, and that constitutional rules were violated.
• Trump criticized the ruling on social media, asserting the ballroom is necessary for national security and accusing the judge of obstructing future presidential and international meetings.
• Despite public and preservationist opposition, a federal panel approved Trump's 250-foot victory arch with modifications, while the ballroom project, funded by private donors and costing $400 million, continues to face legal and procedural challenges.