U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s recent ruling that prohibits the above-ground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, allowing only underground work on a bunker and other national security facilities on the site. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued this latest decision following an appeals court directive to clarify his previous ruling on the 8,400-square-meter ballroom planned for the site, where the East Wing of the White House was demolished.
President Trump took to social media to denounce Judge Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, labeling him a “Trump Hating” judge who is deliberately obstructing national security and causing delays in the construction of what Trump referred to as a significant gift to America.
The administration has indicated its intention to appeal Judge Leon’s latest ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, as her organization had filed a lawsuit challenging the project.
Judge Leon clarified that his order suspending above-ground construction does not apply to below-ground security work. Government attorneys argued that the project involves crucial security features to protect against various threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.
The recent ruling by Judge Leon follows a directive from a three-judge panel of the D.C. appeals court, instructing him to reassess the potential national security implications of halting construction.
In a previous ruling, Judge Leon prohibited above-ground work on the ballroom without congressional approval and exempted any construction necessary for White House safety and security from the injunction. He stated that he reviewed confidential government submissions before determining that stopping construction would not endanger national security.
Judge Leon initially suspended his ruling for two weeks and has now extended it for an additional week to allow the administration more time to seek review from the Supreme Court.
He specified that only above-ground construction of the planned ballroom is halted, except for work required to secure that part of the project. The Trump administration can proceed with underground construction of excavations, bunkers, military installations, and medical facilities beneath the ballroom.
The appeals court panel mentioned that they lack adequate information to determine the extent to which the project can be suspended without compromising the safety of the president, his family, or White House staff.
Judge Leon emphasized that while he recognizes the safety implications, national security does not grant a free pass to engage in otherwise unlawful activities. He also clarified that he does not wish to assume the role of a construction manager.
In early April, following Leon’s previous ruling, the National Capital Planning Commission, responsible for approving construction on federal property in the Washington region, granted final approval for Trump’s ballroom project.
The preservation group initiated legal action in December, shortly after the completion of demolishing the East Wing. Trump’s ballroom project, intended for accommodating 999 people, is reportedly funded by private donations, with public funds allocated for bunker construction and security enhancements.