DOJ Presses Preservation Group to Drop White House Ballroom Lawsuit After WHCD Shooting

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued in December 2025 after the Trump administration razed the historic East Wing to build a privately funded, $400 million, 90,000-sq-ft ballroom for roughly 1,000 guests. The Trust argues the Constitution and federal statutes demand congressional authorization for any White House construction. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon blocked above-ground work in March; a D.C. Circuit panel lifted that block on April 17, permitting only below-ground work pending a June 5 hearing on the merits.

Rolling Stone

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the lawsuit “puts the lives of the President, his family, and his staff at grave risk,” and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche urged “It’s time to build the ballroom.” President Trump claimed the WHCD shooting proves a “larger, more secure” ballroom is a national-security necessity. The Trust’s Carol Quillen said the suit “endangers no one” and merely asks the administration to obey the law; lawyer Gregory Craig called the DOJ’s claim “incorrect and irresponsible.”

USA Today

Preservationists argue the suit enforces constitutional limits, not security. Trust President Carol Quillen said it “endangers no one.” Public Citizen’s Lisa Gilbert called the DOJ’s risk claim “absurd,” warning that a forced bunker would erode First-Amendment traditions of the WHCA dinner. Critics also point to the $400 million cost, loss of the East Wing, and reliance on private donations while public funds cover security upgrades.

The administration cites the WHCD shooting as proof the ballroom is essential for security, while the Trust says the suit “does not jeopardize the President’s safety.” Capacity estimates range from 999 to 1,000 seats, and the public-private funding split for the bunker remains unclear.

• “[Y]our lawsuit puts the lives of the president, his family, and his staff at grave risk,” — Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice

Fox News (website)

• “I hope yesterday’s narrow miss will help you finally realize the folly of a lawsuit that literally serves no purpose except to stop President Trump no matter the cost.” — Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice

The Guardian

• “Simply put, this case does not jeopardize the President’s safety in any way.” — Gregory Craig, attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation

USA Today

• “We are not planning to voluntarily dismiss our lawsuit, which endangers no one and which respectfully asks the Administration to follow the law.” — Carol Quillen, President and CEO, National Trust for Historic Preservation

USA Today

The D.C. Circuit’s stay permits below-ground work while a June 5 oral argument will decide if congressional approval is required. Republican lawmakers have introduced the “Build the Ballroom Act” to grant explicit authorization. The Justice Department warned it will seek dismissal if the Trust does not withdraw, and the White House projects completion by 2028.

Rolling Stone