On December 16, 2025, a U.S. District Court hearing is set to address a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's plan to construct a $300 million ballroom on the White House grounds. The National Trust for Historic Preservation alleges that the Trump administration has unlawfully commenced the demolition of the East Wing without the necessary reviews or approvals mandated by law.

The lawsuit argues that no president is permitted to alter the White House structure without appropriate oversight and seeks a temporary restraining order to halt construction while the case is adjudicated. Critics from the historic preservation and architectural communities have raised concerns about the potential for irreversible damage to this historic site, emphasizing the importance of public input in decisions affecting national landmarks.

In response, the Trump administration contends that the project is lawful and aligns with historical precedents of presidential renovations, citing the original construction of the East Wing by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The administration asserts that the ballroom is essential for state functions and that construction plans are still being finalized, with no above-ground work scheduled until April.

A federal judge has stated that he will not immediately halt the construction, noting that the preservation group had not demonstrated how the project was causing irreparable harm that would necessitate immediate court intervention. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon cautioned that ongoing underground work must not determine the ballroom's final dimensions, indicating that if it did, the structure would need to be dismantled.

The Justice Department's attorney was unable to confirm whether the underground work would affect the ballroom's eventual height or width, as the design remains in progress. The National Trust's lawsuit claims that the construction is unlawful because President Trump has not obtained the necessary approvals from Congress or submitted plans for review by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, which would allow for public input.

The preservation group requested an emergency court order to pause construction until proper authorizations and environmental assessments are completed. Judge Leon affirmed that the court would ensure the Trump administration adheres to its commitment to meet with the National Capital Planning Commission by the end of December. The project has faced challenges, including a recent change in architects due to disputes over the ballroom's scope and size. President Trump has reportedly been closely involved in the project's implementation and has maintained that it does not require oversight.

The lawsuit emerged shortly after the demolition of the historic East Wing, prompting concerns about adherence to federal laws governing construction in Washington, D.C. The preservation group's attorney emphasized that the case centers on legal compliance rather than the necessity of the ballroom itself. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for mid-January.