On December 14, 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation initiated legal action against President Donald Trump, requesting a federal court to stop his White House ballroom project until it undergoes necessary independent reviews and receives congressional approval. The lawsuit contends that the demolition of the East Wing and the proposed addition of a ballroom violate federal laws requiring comprehensive design reviews, environmental assessments, and public input.

The National Trust argues that no president has the legal authority to alter the White House without appropriate oversight, emphasizing the need for public participation in decisions regarding significant changes to this historically important structure. The lawsuit claims that Trump has bypassed the required procedures outlined in the Administrative Procedures Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as exceeded his constitutional authority by not consulting Congress.

In response, White House spokesman David Ingle asserted that Trump is acting within his legal rights to modernize the White House, similar to actions taken by past presidents. However, the extent of Trump's renovations is noted to be unprecedented since President Harry Truman's significant renovations, which were conducted with explicit congressional authorization and oversight from professional organizations.

Trump has stated that the ballroom is necessary due to limitations in existing spaces for hosting events, citing issues such as inadequate capacity and weather-related inconveniences. The White House is expected to submit plans for the new ballroom to the National Capital Planning Commission by the end of December 2025, approximately three months after construction commenced.

The National Trust's lawsuit highlights the importance of public involvement in federal projects, particularly when they pertain to the most recognizable and historically significant building in the United States. The lawsuit names several federal agencies, including the National Parks Service and the Department of the Interior, as defendants, emphasizing the need for adherence to federal statutes governing construction on public grounds in Washington, D.C.