Overview
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon sharply questioned the Justice Department’s claim that the 90,000‑square‑foot project is a permissible “alteration,” calling that framing a “brazen” use of vocabulary.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks a preliminary injunction to halt construction after refiling claims that the president exceeded his authority without explicit congressional approval.
- Leon said he aims to decide by the end of March, noting that an appeal is likely from the losing side.
- The Justice Department argues existing statutes authorize the project and cite public benefits such as improved security and modernized infrastructure, and a Commission of Fine Arts panel approved the design 6–0 in February.
- The East Wing has been demolished and, absent a court order, the administration says above‑ground work could begin in April; Trump also shared an AI‑generated video preview promoting the privately funded ballroom.