Federal judge halts White House ballroom project as final approval looms
A federal judge has ordered the White House to stop construction on a planned 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom, ruling that the president’s actions conflict with federal law and that Congress must approve the project before it can continue. Despite the ruling, plans are still set for a final approval vote on Thursday. The project carries an estimated $400 million price tag, and Democrats have raised concerns about the president’s plan to fund it through private and corporate donations. The president defended the approach, saying wealthy individuals and companies are offering contributions, while critics argued the White House belongs to the American people, not any administration.