Judge pauses Trump's White House ballroom project pending congressional authorization

A U.S. judge temporarily halted construction of the White House ballroom after the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, ruling that Congress authorization and other required planning steps were not followed. The 14‑day pause gives time for potential appeal. The project, reportedly costing about $400 million and funded privately, prompted demolition of the East Wing; Trump criticized the ruling while supporters say restoration must follow constitutional processes.