A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked President Trump's sprawling plans to build a massive ballroom where the East Wing of the White House once stood.
Why it matters: U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said Trump is the "steward," not the "owner" of the White House, and that the project "must stop until Congress authorizes its completion."
The latest: Lawyers for the Trump administration filed an appeal soon after the ruling.
The big picture: The demolition of the 120-plus years of East Wing history and the $400 million expansion project have roiled Washington as the president leaves his gilded mark on an increasingly Trump-ified district.
Driving the news: Leon granted the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request for a preliminary injunction, halting the administration's fast-tracked plans.
- The trust has argued that the White House needs congressional approval for the extensive renovations and argued in a filing earlier this month that "the President is a temporary tenant of the White House—its steward, not its landlord," a notion that Leon echoed in his 35-page opinion.
- Trump lashed out at the National Trust for Historic Preservation after Leon sided with the nonprofit in the lawsuit, calling it "a Radical Left Group of Lunatics."
Catch up quick: The Commission on Fine Arts, which is packed with Trump loyalists, gave the ballroom design a swift thumbs up in February.
- The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), also stacked with friendly faces, is set to vote in April.
Friction point: The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the president and other federal agencies in December, arguing that the demolition violated the Constitution and asked the judge to block construction until a required review process, including a public comment period, is completed.
- "No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever—not President Trump, not President Biden, and not anyone else," the complaint said.
- In February, Leon said he could not "address the merits of the novel and weighty issues raised" without the Trust amending its argument. It did so, requesting a new injunction this month.
- The government argues that ceasing construction would endanger national security.
In March, the NCPC released over 9,000 pages of public comments criticizing the ballroom project.
- One woman implored, "NO GAUDY FAKE GOLD STUFF ALL OVER THE PLACE," and Republican Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio) called images of the bulldozed White House grounds "deeply disturbing."
What we're watching: Despite the legal challenges and public outcry, the White House aims to have the project done "long before the end of President Trump's term."
Go deeper: East Wing expansion plans revealed as Trump team pushes for fast-track approval
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Trump and to include the appeal from the administration for the ruling.
