Trump's White House ballroom gets final approval despite judge's ruling halting work
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- A 12-person commission, including three Trump appointees, postponed a vote on the White House ballroom addition due to overwhelming public opposition during the comment period.
- Trump made design changes to the $400 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, removing a large staircase and adding an uncovered porch, reportedly considering feedback from planning and arts commissions as well as public comments.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to halt construction after Trump demolished the East Wing without prior approval, arguing the project lacked proper authorization from commissions and Congress.
- A judge ruled that Trump is steward, not owner, of the White House and ordered a temporary halt to construction pending proper approvals, though security-related work was allowed to continue.
- Trump disputed the need for congressional approval, claiming past White House projects did not require it, while Congress remained silent on the matter during its spring break.
