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Judge Blocks Trump's 90,000-Sq-Ft White House Ballroom

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal judge halted President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom plan pending lawsuits.
The ballroom would replace part of the East Wing with about 90,000 square feet for roughly 1,000 guests.
The Secret Service says the above-ground ballroom is needed to shield underground facilities that resist bombs and drones.
Historic preservation groups, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sued claiming the president lacks authority without congressional approval.

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Story summary

Federal judge halted President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom plan pending lawsuits.
The ballroom would replace part of the East Wing with about 90,000 square feet for roughly 1,000 guests.
The Secret Service says the above-ground ballroom is needed to shield underground facilities that resist bombs and drones.
Historic preservation groups, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sued claiming the president lacks authority without congressional approval.