The National Trust for Historic Preservation has initiated legal action against the White House regarding the construction of a new ballroom, claiming that the necessary reviews were not conducted prior to the demolition of the historic East Wing in October 2025. The lawsuit, filed on December 12, 2025, argues that alterations to the White House require appropriate legal review, a principle applicable to all administrations. The organization is requesting a federal court in Washington, D.C., to halt construction until the White House complies with required legal processes, including a public comment period.

Carol Quillen, President of the National Trust, emphasized the White House's significance as a symbol of American ideals and expressed concern over the administration's disregard for the organization's previous objections. The lawsuit alleges violations of laws by commencing construction without submitting plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, failing to conduct an environmental assessment, and not seeking congressional authorization. It also claims that President Trump is infringing upon the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress authority over federal property management.

In response, the White House maintains that President Trump has the legal authority to modernize the residence, similar to past presidents. The ballroom project, initially designed for 500 guests, has expanded to accommodate 1,350. Despite commitments to review the construction plan, extensive work is reportedly already underway, with a construction crane recently erected at the site.

In a separate development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of family-reunification parole programs for Cuba, Haiti, and six other Latin American countries, significantly impacting legal migration from these regions. The DHS cites perceived security gaps as the reason for this decision, although specific security issues have not been clarified, given that individuals in these programs have already undergone vetting for immigration visas.

These programs were intended to expedite the process for relatives of lawful U.S. permanent residents or citizens, allowing them to travel to the U.S. while awaiting permanent residency. The termination means that migrants currently in the U.S. under this status will lose their legal standing unless they apply for permanent residency or adjust their status by December 15, 2025. This policy change is viewed as part of a broader trend under the Trump administration, which has previously suspended similar programs and implemented travel bans affecting families from these countries.

Critics, including immigration advocates, argue that this decision complicates the already challenging situation for families separated by migration policies, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications for vulnerable populations seeking refuge and family reunification in the U.S. Legal experts suggest that the administration's actions reflect a long-standing agenda to limit legal immigration from the Caribbean and Latin America, further exacerbating the uncertainty faced by families awaiting reunification.