A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to immediately pause construction on his controversial $400 million White House ballroom expansion, ruling that Congress must approve any such major alterations to the historic presidential residence. The decision comes after months of heated debate over the project's impact on national heritage.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the preliminary injunction late Wednesday, siding with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in their lawsuit against the administration. The Trust argued that demolishing the East Wing—erected in 1902—to make way for a grand ballroom capable of hosting 1,350 guests violated federal preservation laws and bypassed congressional oversight. "The President is but a steward of the White House," Leon wrote, emphasizing its role as a public trust rather than personal property. Construction had already advanced significantly since last year, with cranes dotting the South Lawn, but the judge granted a 14-day stay to allow for appeals while permitting essential safety measures to continue.

Trump quickly took to Truth Social, blasting the ruling as "a witch hunt" and insisting the project remains "under budget and ahead of schedule," funded entirely by private donors—including his own contributions—and zero taxpayer money. White House officials echoed this, framing the ballroom as a modern upgrade for state events, comparable to elite venues that could elevate America's global image. This marks the latest twist in a saga that saw earlier court wins for the administration in February, only for refined legal challenges to gain traction.

The ruling now thrusts the decision into Congress's lap, requiring explicit legislative greenlight for changes to federal landmarks. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced mixed reactions—some decrying the expense amid fiscal debates, others questioning precedent for future presidents. As appeals loom and D.C.'s political machinery churns, this could redefine boundaries on executive power over iconic sites, echoing historical clashes like FDR's push for White House overhauls.