April 1 (UPI) -- A federal judge has blocked construction of President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, ruling the New York real estate developer does not have congressional authorization to continue the project.
"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!" U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for the District of Columbia wrote in the ruling.
Trump has said building a White House ballroom had been a dream of his since before he was president. Construction of the 90,000-square-foot building began with the demolition of the East Wing of the White House in October. Initially said to cost $200 million, the ballroom's price tag has since doubled. Trump has said it will be financed by private donors.
In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the Trump administration to halt construction, arguing the project has not been authorized by Congress as required by U.S. law.
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