Federal judge appears skeptical of DOJ's argument for White House ballroom construction [View all]

Source: NBC News

Jan. 22, 2026, 7:04 PM EST


WASHINGTON — A federal judge appears to be leaning toward hitting the pause button on the White House ballroom's construction.

While U.S. District Judge Richard Leon did not rule from the bench Thursday, promising a decision next month, his comments during arguments left little doubt about what way he was leaning.

Attorney Thad Heuer, representing the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation, a group that works to protect U.S. historic sites, argued that the president does not have the constitutional authority to tear down the East Wing of the White House and construct a ballroom.

“He’s not the owner” of the White House, Heuer said. Leon appeared to agree, saying, “He’s the steward.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/federal-judge-appears-skeptical-dojs-argument-white-house-ballroom-con-rcna255496