A major historic preservation group filed a federal lawsuit Friday seeking to stop President Donald Trump’s construction of a new White House ballroom, arguing the project bypasses essential legal and congressional oversight.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is asking the court to pause construction until the project undergoes comprehensive design reviews, public comment periods, and receives approval from Congress.
The group alleges that by fast-tracking the build, the administration has violated the Administrative Procedures Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, while also overstepping constitutional authority.
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President Trump has long argued a ballroom is necessary to avoid hosting events in outdoor tents where guests are exposed to the elements.
However, the project has drawn scrutiny for skipping standard historical reviews, particularly after the demolition of the East Wing to make way for the new structure, which is projected to be nearly twice the size of the original White House.
While construction began approximately three months ago, plans have yet to be formally submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission.
Will Scharf, a top White House aide and chairman of the commission, stated last week that the White House intends to file the plans before the end of December, at which point a “normal and deliberative” review process will begin.
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