Judge leaves door open for future challenge to Trump White House ballroom, won’t halt now

A federal judge refused to grant a preliminary injunction to stop Trump’s plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom atop the White House East Wing site, saying the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s claim under the Administrative Procedure Act isn’t currently actionable. He signaled opponents could amend their suit to pursue an ultra vires argument, potentially delaying the project if pursued. The White House Office of the Executive Residence runs the privately funded $400 million project; the East Wing was demolished starting last year, with underground work expected this month and above-ground work possibly beginning in April. Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, but the legal battle may continue with reframed claims.