Overview
- President Trump posted new renderings and said construction is on budget and ahead of schedule, adding the venue could host future presidential inaugurations.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon is expected to rule this month on a request to halt construction and has questioned the legality of relying on private donations.
- The Justice Department argues the funding approach is lawful under existing authorities, warns a pause could pose national security risks, and says it will immediately appeal any adverse order.
- The Trust for the National Mall says it manages donations, takes a 2–2.5% management allocation, and will not disclose donor names, calling its fee standard practice.
- Watchdogs and Democrats highlight transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns as many corporate donors with business before the administration have not detailed their gifts, with CREW saying at least 22 companies failed to report donations in lobbying filings.