Trump Lost in American Court but Promises Not to Give Up 0 14

A court in the U.S. has ruled to suspend the construction of a ballroom in the East Wing of the White House while considering a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In the lawsuit, the nonprofit organization insists that U.S. President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when he decided to demolish part of the building without Congressional approval. The judge noted that the Trust is likely to win this case.

"The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of first families. But he is not the owner!" — with these words, federal judge Richard Leon began his ruling on the temporary suspension of construction.

The judge concluded that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is likely to prevail when the case is heard on its merits.

"Unfortunately for the defense, until — if it ever happens — Congress blesses this project with a legislative act, construction must stop!" — Leon concluded. He noted that it is not too late to seek Congressional approval for the construction.

"In any case, Congress retains control over the nation's property and oversight of government spending. The interests of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the constitutional and legal process will be protected. And the American people will receive branches of government that fulfill the roles prescribed to them by the Constitution. Not such a bad outcome!" — wrote Judge Leon in his ruling.

The ruling will take effect in 14 days, and the president's administration may file an appeal.

Trump stated on his social media platform TruthSocial that the judge "is wrong." In a conversation with reporters, the president said he plans to challenge the ruling. In his place, Donald Trump wants to build a ballroom — it was initially expected that the hall would accommodate up to 500 people, but since then the scale of the project has grown to 1,350 potential guests. He called the new ballroom "the greatest addition to the White House since the construction of the Oval Office."

The White House claims that the project will cost $400 million — and that all funding will come from private donors, without the use of public money.

Earlier, Trump told reporters that a "huge complex" for American military personnel will be built under the ballroom. The ballroom, he said, "will essentially be a barn on top of what is being built underneath it." The military portion, notes the Associated Press, will be funded from the budget.

Construction of the above-ground portion was supposed to begin in April.