Judge stops Trump’s East Wing ballroom project indefinitely

The estimated cost of the Trump administration’s proposed White House East Wing ballroom project has jumped from $200 million to $400 million since July.

Trump, just this weekend, also announced a new “secret” military complex for the ballroom’s basement level.

However, none of that will come to pass—at least for the time being.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon blocked Trump from moving forward on the ballroom in court today, when he granted a preliminary injunction request by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Leon’s approval of the preliminary injunction request puts the East Wing project on hold for the duration of the lawsuit that was filed in December by the National Trust.

The National Capital Planning Commission was expected to take a final vote on the East Wing project just days from now, on April 2.

“I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have,” Leon wrote.

Leon affirmed the East Wing project needs Congressional approval, before stating, “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!”

Acknowledging the abruptness of an immediate halt to construction, the judge suspended enforcement of his court order for 14 days, citing any “logistical issues” it may create.

National Trust president and CEO Carol Quillen said after the outcome was announced, “We are pleased with Judge Leon’s ruling today to order a halt to any further ballroom construction until the Administration complies with the law and obtains express authorization to go forward.”

“This is a win for the American people on a project that forever impacts one of the most beloved and iconic places in our nation,” Quillen continued.

After Judge Leon granted the National Trust’s request, Trump expressed his discontents on Truth Social.

Trump called the National Trust a “Radical Left Group of Lunatics” for its legal actions against his plans for both the East Wing and Kennedy Center.

“So,” Trump said, “the White House Ballroom, and The Trump Kennedy Center, which are under budget, ahead of schedule, and will be among the most magnificent Buildings of their kind anywhere in the World, gets sued by a group that was cut off by Government years ago, but all of the many DISASTERS in our Country are left alone to die. Doesn’t make much sense, does it? [sic]”