Judge denies request to temporarily block construction of White House ballroom
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., put limits on what construction crews can do on the project over the next two weeks.
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Arden Farhi is the managing editor for CBS News' Washington bureau. He has covered several presidential campaigns and the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations.
His executive producer credits include "The Takeout with Major Garrett" and the CBS News original podcast "Agent of Betrayal."
Prior to moving to Washington, Arden was a general assignment producer for CBS News, based in New York. His work has been recognized with two Emmy Awards, a DuPont Award and a NY Festivals gold medal.
Arden interned at CBS News and began his career at CBS News in 2007, after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis. He lives in the Washington, D.C., area.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., put limits on what construction crews can do on the project over the next two weeks.
Rep. Jamie Raskin wants to see White House construction like President Trump's ballroom project subjected to the same scrutiny as other federal projects.
President Trump's White House ballroom addition is expected to be finished a few months before the 2028 elections.
"No president is legally allowed to tear down portions of the White House without any review whatsoever," said the National Trust for Historic Preservation in its lawsuit.
The current architect, with whom President Trump has some disagreements, will remain on the White House ballroom team, sources said.
The FBI has ruled the woman out as a suspect in the 2021 plot, sources said, but only after her name circulated on social platforms and a conservative news site.
Lobbyists from the three firms mingled with top tech executives and President Trump at a dinner for White House ballroom donors last month.
The bill aims to impose restrictions on ballroom donors seeking to influence the administration.
Capitol Hill Democrats are not receiving many of the answers they're seeking about President Trump's ballroom plans.
Some firms involved in the White House ballroom project appear to be trying to lower their online profiles.
A red and gray scrap truck carried remnants of the East Wing about six miles from the White House.
Three Democrats wrote to President Trump to express concern that decisions about the ballroom addition have been made without public disclosure.
Demolition of parts of the East Wing of the White House and construction of the new ballroom have meant tours have been suspended for about two months.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation fears the ballroom annex will overwhelm White House.
The new White House ballroom is likely to be bigger than initially planned as Democrats look to put guardrails on Trump's signature architectural pursuit.