Federal judge appears skeptical of DOJ's argument for White House ballroom construction

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Jan. 22, 2026, 7:04 PM EST


WASHINGTON — A federal judge appears to be leaning toward hitting the pause button on the White House ballroom's construction.

While U.S. District Judge Richard Leon did not rule from the bench Thursday, promising a decision next month, his comments during arguments left little doubt about what way he was leaning.

Attorney Thad Heuer, representing the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation, a group that works to protect U.S. historic sites, argued that the president does not have the constitutional authority to tear down the East Wing of the White House and construct a ballroom.

“He’s not the owner” of the White House, Heuer said. Leon appeared to agree, saying, “He’s the steward.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/federal-judge-appears-skeptical-dojs-argument-white-house-ballroom-con-rcna255496

[Lonestarblue]

1. That ballroom is an abomination and needs to be stopped permanently.

Trump wants it solely as an expensive monument to himself.

[sop]

2. So, Trump isn't the "owner" of the White House, he's merely a "steward"?

Trump did not have official authority to raze a structure that belonged to the People of the United States. He should be sued for unofficially demolishing the entire East Wing, and forced to make full restitution to cover all costs of a historic restoration. Trump is not immune from civil actions for unofficial acts during his presidency.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. "He should be sued for unofficially demolishing the entire East Wing"

He has been sued for that, multiple times.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143581414
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143594601

[Martin Eden]

6. Rec'd for "full restitution"

Make the bastard (or his estate after his demise) pay to restore what was demolished.

[sop]

8. He's been sued to halt the demolition and to stop the ballroom construction, but not for full restitution (yet).

[Vinca]

4. I prefer squatter.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. Or vagabond

[Blues Heron]

7. He should be impeached for destroying the people's house

If he’s not stopped the west wing is next, and after that the main building. He will destroy the entire white house piece by piece.

[OldBaldy1701E]

9. "...hitting the pause button on the White House ballroom's construction."

Which will do what, exactly?

Make him stop?

Please...

[BumRushDaShow]

11. This weekend's storm is about to hit a HUGE pause button

[OldBaldy1701E]

13. Yes indeed it is.

So is my home state of North Carolina.

Washington is not as used to real snow as they think they are. I suspect that it will be an interesting weekend for the residents.

Not Congress, of course, as they are all ready to run away to their own states rather than be held up in Washington so that they can do their jobs in an efficient manner.

Oh wait, I used that 'E' word again. Stupid me.

[BumRushDaShow]

15. As many times as I have driven down there for work stuff

all you need is one drop of rain on the Beltway (I-495) and everything slows to a stop. And since they forced them all back in the office, purportedly with no more telework, it will be interesting to see how they handle next week's work schedule.

With the remote work option in the past, the government (in D.C. metro) began a routine of "staying open" during major weather events because non-essential (mostly white collar feds) just worked from home.

Now... who knows?

[Kid Berwyn]

10. Can you imagine how Trump would howl if a tenant changed a unit?

Say someone in Trump Tower decides to renovate a bathroom with exquisitely cheap Formica or knocks down a wall or two down to enjoy a better view?

Tangerine traitor would sue. It’s past time for turn-about as fair play.

[Katinfl]

12. But it is already demolished. I agree he should be stopped, but the damage is done.

Can it be restored to its former structure? He does nothing but create chaos. And what about the Rose Garden? The Lincoln bathroom? All he does is destroy.

[Raven123]

14. Ok, but who is going to stop him.

[BumRushDaShow]

16. Mother Nature!

[travelingthrulife]

17. When does someone haul Bondi and Todd out by their hair?