WASHINGTON — President Trump sharply criticized the National Trust for Historic Preservation over a lawsuit seeking to halt construction of a proposed White House ballroom, insisting the project has progressed too far to be reversed.
The ballroom, estimated to cost between $300 million and $400 million, has become the centerpiece of Trump’s second-term renovation efforts at the White House. Construction moved forward after the East Wing was demolished in October, a decision that prompted legal action from the preservation group.
“Making such a large gift to the U.S.A. was thought to be, by almost everyone, ‘A WONDERFUL THING TO DO,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the lawsuit as “ridiculous.”
“But no, as usual, I got sued, this time by the Radical Left National (No!)Trust for Historic Preservation, a group that couldn’t care less about our Country!”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit in December, arguing the Trump administration failed to follow required review processes before demolishing the East Wing and advancing the ballroom project. On Thursday, Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, expressed skepticism toward the administration’s legal justification.
Leon suggested the White House may be attempting an “end run” around Congress, raising questions about whether construction should be allowed to proceed without legislative approval.
Trump, however, remained defiant.
“There is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE,” he declared.
“The so-called ‘preservationists,’ who get their money from the most unusual of places, should not be allowed to stop this desperately needed addition to our GREAT White House, a place that a President has never needed permission to change or enhance,” Trump continued.
Trump has advocated for a White House ballroom for more than a decade, including offering to finance one during the Obama administration. Since returning to office, he has overseen multiple renovations, including changes to the Rose Garden, the Palm Room, the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, and a gold-themed redesign of the Oval Office.
The ballroom project, however, has been the most prominent — and controversial — of those efforts.
Trump has said the structure will feature bulletproof windows, “anti-drone roofing,” and other advanced security measures. During construction, his team is also believed to have upgraded the White House’s nuclear bunker — a fact Trump said was unintentionally revealed by the lawsuit.
The Secret Service previously argued in court filings that delays to the ballroom project could pose national security risks, reinforcing the administration’s push to keep construction on track.
Critics argue the ballroom could overwhelm the historic character of the White House complex. The National Trust said its legal action is aimed at ensuring compliance with preservation laws and public oversight.
“We are fully committed to upholding the interests of the American public and advocating for compliance with all legally required review and approval processes—and an opportunity for the American people to weigh in on a project that impacts one of the most historically significant buildings in our country,” a National Trust spokesperson told The Post.
Despite the legal challenge and criticism, Trump has made clear he has no intention of backing down — signaling the White House ballroom will move forward as planned.
Originally reported by Ryan King in NY Post.
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