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Judge Lets White House Bunker Work Proceed, Keeps Trump Ballroom Blocked

The order spotlights Congress's power over White House changes versus broad national security claims.

Overview

  • Judge Richard Leon, who clarified his injunction Thursday, allowed underground, security‑related work beneath the site to continue.
  • He kept the planned above‑ground ballroom on hold as unlawful without approval from Congress.
  • The revised order followed an appeals court push to weigh security impacts and it bars any digging that would lock in the ballroom’s size or footprint.
  • President Trump attacked the judge on Truth Social, saying the $400 million, privately funded hall is needed for safe state events.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued over the East Wing demolition and argues major White House alterations require Congress, a dispute now headed for further appeals.