U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during the signing ceremony for an executive order on mail ballots, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., March 31, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump lashed out at a federal judge who ordered that his administration halt construction on his signature ballroom and seek Congressional approval before restarting.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, issued an order temporarily blocking the White House from building Trump's signature ballroom. The ruling blocks the Trump administration from "taking any action in furtherance of the physical development of the proposed ballroom at the former site of the East Wing of the White House, including but not limited to any further demolition, site preparation work, landscape alteration, excavation, foundation work, or other construction or related work, other than actions strictly necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House and its grounds," according to the 35-page order.
Trump lashed out at the judge during a press conference in the Oval Office after he signed an executive order to curb mail-in voting. He added that the administration
"He's so wrong," Trump said. "This is being financed privately. It's a donation that's being given by companies. Very rich companies. Very rich people. They've wanted this ballroom for 150 years. We can have the greatest ballroom anyone has ever heard of, and he says we need Congressional approval. Well, they don't give Congressional approval for this. We didn't ask for any tax money. This is taxpayer-free."
Trump added that construction on the ballroom should continue for national security purposes.
"We have a drone-proof roof," Trump said, adding that there will be "a lot of bulletproof glass" in the new ballroom.