Secret Service’s Warning
The Secret Service cautioned a federal judge on Monday that stopping the construction of President Trump’s contentious White House ballroom could jeopardize presidential security. This warning comes as the administration faces legal challenges regarding the project’s compliance with federal regulations.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is pursuing a temporary restraining order to halt the construction, claiming that Trump violated federal law by not securing necessary approvals before demolishing parts of the East Wing.
Attorneys representing the government informed Judge Richard Leon that plans for the ballroom are still being finalized, rendering the lawsuit premature. Matthew Quinn, Deputy Director of the Secret Service, indicated that contractors are urgently working to implement temporary security measures following the recent demolition of the East Wing. While these measures are classified, he offered to provide a private briefing to the judge.
The trust argues that Trump failed to submit plans to two federal commissions and Congress prior to commencing work and neglected environmental assessments. Attorney Gregory Craig emphasized that this project constitutes “the most substantial exterior alteration” to one of America’s most iconic buildings since its reconstruction after being burned during the War of 1812.
Initially proposing a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, Trump has since revealed plans for a structure “double in size” with enhanced finishes and interiors. He asserts that funding comes entirely from private donations and claims that the project is both under budget and ahead of schedule.
The East Wing, which was built in 1902 alongside its counterpart, underwent expansion in 1942 to include additional facilities such as a bunker and movie theater. The demolition also affected a historic garden established in 1903 and later named after former First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1965.
The lawsuit highlights that both the National Capital Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts should review any plans related to this project; however, neither body has yet seen them. Following his dismissal of all Fine Arts Commission members, Trump left this board without any members. Federal law mandates congressional approval for projects on federal parkland within Washington.
Mark Widerschein from the Justice Department contended that the trust should wait until final plans are submitted before raising objections, suggesting many concerns could be resolved without court involvement. Work below ground will continue for several months, with above-ground construction not expected to commence until at least April.
The National Park Service supported the project by stating that an alternative—using tents for large events—would lead to significant damage to grass areas requiring ongoing repairs. Officials noted they have preserved historic elements from the East Wing through methods like 3D scanning and have saved various architectural features for integration into the new building.
