Judge Blocks White House Ballroom, Allows Underground Security Work to Continue

A federal judge ruled that the White House ballroom project cannot proceed in full under the safety-and-security exception and halted construction, except for underground security facilities and related measures. The ruling narrows the scope and allows below-ground work to continue while the government can appeal within seven days. The case, brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, contends the project exceeds presidential authority and requires congressional approval.