A federal judge has reportedly ordered President Donald Trump to pause construction of a controversial ballroom in the White House's east wing, according to Swedish media reports. Judge Richard Leon in Washington has ruled that the approximately $400 million construction project must be halted until Congress approves the plan. The legal challenge was brought by a historic preservation group concerned about the impact on the historic building.
The group demanded that the project undergo several independent reviews and receive Congressional approval before proceeding. President Trump reportedly reacted to the decision on his Truth Social platform, though the exact content of his response was not detailed in the available sources. The construction, which would add a ballroom to the White House's east wing, has been described as controversial by preservationists who argue it requires proper oversight and approval processes.