Story perspectives

Trump DOJ Cites Hilton Shooting to Halt $400M Ballroom Lawsuit

4/28/2026

Center

Justice Dept. Demands Drop

The Justice Department invoked the Washington Hilton shooting as justification to demand the historic-preservation lawsuit be withdrawn.
President Donald Trump’s Justice Department gave National Trust for Historic Preservation Monday-9 a.m. to drop its $400 million White House ballroom lawsuit.
Republican Representative Jim Jordan and Senator Lindsey Graham endorsed the ballroom as a security improvement.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman also supported using the space for events like the Correspondents’ dinner.

Right

Trump Backs Ballroom

President Donald Trump said the proposed ballroom would help prevent future attacks after the Washington Hilton shooting.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Rand Paul introduced bills to allocate $400 million for a White House ballroom and underground security bunker.
Representative Dan Goldman called the project unlawful and questioned the anonymous $400 million donors.
Judge Richard J. Leon ruled the president cannot undertake White House renovations without congressional approval.

History

Historical Context

After the 9/11 attacks, Bush administration made Situation Room renovation urgent; work began August 2006, lasted four-and-a-half months, finished May 2007, adding ceiling sensors to block mobile devices and a secure video link to Air Force One. Today the Justice Department’s proposal for a new White House ballroom and bunker revives that post-9/11 security drive.

1 of 3

Justice Dept. Demands Drop

The Justice Department invoked the Washington Hilton shooting as justification to demand the historic-preservation lawsuit be withdrawn.
President Donald Trump’s Justice Department gave National Trust for Historic Preservation Monday-9 a.m. to drop its $400 million White House ballroom lawsuit.
Republican Representative Jim Jordan and Senator Lindsey Graham endorsed the ballroom as a security improvement.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman also supported using the space for events like the Correspondents’ dinner.

1 / 3