Recently, Judge Richard Neon of Washington, D.C. ruled that President Trump should not rebuild or make any capital adjustments to the White House.
Ruling in a case in which the National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued President Trump, Judge Neon said that major changes that one can make to personal property are not within the purview of the president when it comes to the White House.
Judge Leon emphasized that any sitting president is authorized to occupy the White House with their family only for the duration of the presidency. This means that the president is only the “steward” for that time, and not the owner of the place.
Ballroom Construction Halted
Donald Trump has already overseen the destruction of the East Wing, which is intended to make way for the construction of a ballroom.
Judge Leon, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, a Republican, clarified that the only way for President Trump to have his wish is to seek authorization from Congress. The judge declared that although the $400 million construction work had begun, it must stop forthwith.
On Saturday evening, the president underlined the importance of constructing the planned new ballroom. He said that in reference to the shooting incident that had just taken place at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD).
In his opinion, the new White House ballroom is bound to be much more secure than the hotel ballroom. It will not be a place where one can easily access and start shooting. Hence, events such as the WHCD can be held there.
The Justice Department has since filed an appeal in Washington, D.C.