Federal judge says he’s inclined to deny preservationists’ request to halt Trump’s ballroom project
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge said Tuesday he was inclined to reject that claim. protectionist group’s demand President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project has been temporarily halted, saying the organization has failed to show that the project would cause “irreparable harm” if it moves forward.
U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon said he expected to issue his decision within a day.
Embers Demolished the East Wing of the White House To build a ballroom large enough to seat 999 people in its place, at an estimated cost of $300 million with private financing.
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed with the court last week to seek a temporary restraining order to halt the project until it undergoes multiple independent reviews and receives approval from Congress.
A Justice Department lawyer argued at Tuesday’s hearing that the Foundation had no standing to sue in the case and that underground construction should continue for national security reasons that were not stated in open court. The lawyer also said Trump is not subject to federal laws that the Foundation says he does not comply with.
Leon said he will hold another hearing in January.
