A U.S. federal judge on Thursday rejected a request by a preservationist group seeking to block the Trump administration from continuing construction of a $400 million ballroom project at the White House, which involved demolishing the historic East Wing.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the National Trust for Historic Preservation was unlikely to succeed on the merits of its lawsuit and therefore did not meet the legal standard required to temporarily halt the project.
The case centers on the Trump administration’s redevelopment plans at the White House, which include replacing the former East Wing with a large-scale ballroom intended for official functions and state events.
The preservationist group argued that the demolition and new construction violated historic preservation standards and federal review requirements. The court, however, found insufficient grounds at this stage to interfere with the administration’s plans.
The ruling allows the project, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, to continue while the broader legal challenge proceeds.
This remains a developing story, and further details are expected as the case moves forward.