Federal judge temporarily blocks further demolition of the White House for Trump’s ballroom

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has issued an order temporarily blocking the further demolition of the East Wing of the White House and the construction of President Donald Trump’s expansive new ballroom.

“I have concluded that the National Trust is likely to succeed on the merits because no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have,” U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, an appointee of President George W. Bush, wrote.

The ruling blocks the administration “from taking any action in furtherance of the physical development of the proposed ballroom at the former site of the East Wing of the White House, including but not limited to any further demolition, site preparation work, landscape alteration, excavation, foundation work, or other construction or related work, other than actions strictly necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House and its grounds.”

Leon paused his order from taking effect for 14 days to allow time for appeal.

The judge issued the preliminary injunction after agreeing with the plaintiffs in the case that Trump exceeded his authority with the project.

Leon wrote that 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!”

Leon wrote that “unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!”

Comcast Corp., the parent company of NBCUniversal, donated to the ballroom project.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.