A federal appeals court says above-ground construction cannot continue without approval from Congress, siding with historic preservation advocates.
“Time is of the essence!” Justice Department lawyers wrote, saying a ruling to pause construction puts the president at risk.
"The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” wrote U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.
A federal judge on Tuesday halted construction on President Trump’s White House ballroom project. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said that no statute “comes close” to granting Trump the authority he claims he has to execute the $400 million project, barring construction from continuing until Congress authorizes its completion. “The President of the United States is [...]
The judge said Trump can't build it without authorization from Congress.
Because the executive residence is "likely not an agency" under the Administrative Procedures Act, the preservationist group may not challenge the construction under that law, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said