Trump admin says White House ballroom construction is national security matter
8 hours ago
- #National Security
- #White House
- #Historic Preservation
- The Trump administration claims White House ballroom construction is vital for national security, without specifying the reasons.
- A lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to halt the project until independent reviews and public comments are conducted.
- The administration argues the president has authority to modify the White House, citing historical precedents.
- Construction plans are not finalized, with above-ground work not expected until April 2026.
- The project, estimated at $300 million, aims to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom to accommodate 1,000 people.
- Critics argue the project bypasses required reviews by the National Capital Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts, and Congress.
- The administration contends the lawsuit is moot since demolition of the East Wing is already completed.