Trump White House ballroom gets final OK after judge's halt order
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The National Capital Planning Commission approved President Trump's White House ballroom project by an 8-1 vote despite a recent federal judge's order to halt construction unless Congress approves the structural change.
- The judge's ruling, which affects construction activities but not the planning process, has been stayed for two weeks as the administration seeks an appeal, allowing the commission to proceed with its vote.
- The ballroom addition, estimated to cost $400 million, has faced criticism for its size and design, leading to some modifications including the removal of a large staircase and the addition of a porch.
- The project has sparked legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argues Trump lacks authority to proceed without congressional approval, a position supported by the judge's ruling.
- Despite opposition, Trump and commission chairman Will Scharf defended the project as a future national treasure, with Trump emphasizing that past White House expansions did not require congressional approval.
