A federal judge ordered construction halted on President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project, requiring congressional approval before work resumes. The ruling delivered the first major setback to Trump's ambitious White House redesign efforts. Judge Leon, appointed by President George W.

Bush, found Trump likely lacked authority to proceed without congressional consultation for changes impacting national property. The project, replacing the demolished East Wing, faces a temporary injunction while the administration appeals. Trump insists the ballroom is necessary for larger events and national security, arguing congressional approval isn't needed for such renovations.

However, the judge criticized shifting government positions and questioned how private donations funding the project were handled, noting two-thirds of identified corporate donors had received government contracts worth over $275 billion. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued, argued the project was rushed without congressional input and had legally problematic funding mechanisms.