Supreme Court Orders Immediate Suspension of Trump’s Lavish Ballroom Construction After $5 Billion Preserve America Lawsuit
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an emergency order halting all ongoing construction of former President Donald Trump’s lavish ballroom project on the White House grounds after a $5 billion lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Preserve America accused him of illegally demolishing the East Wing and violating multiple federal environmental and heritage protection laws.
The ruling, described by legal experts as an “extraordinary intervention,” came just days after Trump ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing to make way for what he reportedly called “the most beautiful presidential ballroom ever built.” The decision to raze one of the nation’s most historically significant structures has sparked outrage from preservationists, environmentalists, and bipartisan lawmakers.
According to court documents, Preserve America alleges that Trump bypassed the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)—two federal statutes designed to protect landmarks and prevent environmental harm during federal construction projects. The group is demanding the immediate restoration of the demolished East Wing and $5 billion in damages for what it calls an “unprecedented act of cultural vandalism.”
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing on behalf of the Court, stated that the injunction was necessary “to prevent further irreparable harm to the historic and environmental integrity of the White House complex” pending a full judicial review. The order effectively freezes all construction activities and prevents further modifications to the site until the lawsuit is resolved.
In a brief statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump called the lawsuit “ridiculous,” insisting that the new ballroom would “enhance the beauty and prestige of the White House.” He also accused the Supreme Court of “political interference,” claiming the project was “entirely legal and fully approved by my administration.”
White House officials declined to comment directly on the ruling but confirmed that all contractors have been instructed to suspend work immediately in compliance with the Court’s order.
Historic preservation groups hailed the decision as a major victory. “The East Wing is not just a building—it’s a piece of American history,” said Preserve America President Caroline Ashford. “No individual, not even a former president, has the right to erase our national heritage for personal vanity projects.”
Legal analysts say the case could set a powerful precedent for federal property protection laws, especially concerning presidential authority over historic sites. The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in the coming weeks to determine whether Trump’s actions constituted a violation of federal preservation and environmental statutes.
