Trump PUT on NOTICE by Federal Judge over BALLROOM - Legal AF

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Brian Kabateck and Shant Karnikian discuss the National Trust for Historic Preservation's lawsuit challenging Trump's massive White House ballroom project. The Trust—founded in 1949 through congressional charter signed by President Truman with over 300,000 members—sued to halt construction on the 90,000 square foot, $400 million privately-funded ballroom after Trump demolished the historic East Wing.

The lawsuit alleges multiple violations: Trump failed to submit plans to the National Capital Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts for required review, never sought congressional approval as mandated by the Constitution's Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2), and violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by skipping environmental impact assessments despite demolition debris containing lead and asbestos being dumped in nearby parks.

The hosts note the Trust sent a letter in October requesting the administration cease demolition and initiate proper review procedures, but received no response. Trump's defense argues this is "ordinary presidential authority" comparing it to James Monroe's South Portico changes and Nixon's press room addition, and claims stopping now would create a "national security" risk due to the "gaping hole" in the White House.

Federal Judge Richard Leon (Bush appointee) denied the temporary restraining order but warned the administration about completing any below-ground work that could dictate the ballroom's final size, and scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for January while requiring the administration to meet with the planning commissions by year's end. - 12/20/2025.