Judge temporarily halts construction of Trump's White House ballroom

Judge temporarily halts construction of Trump's White House ballroom Just now Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza A US judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction project, ruling that proper procedures were not followed before the project began. The decision comes after the White House was sued by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "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," said Judge Richard Leon. Trump criticised the ruling on his social media platform, saying the project is going well, and "will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World". The Trump administration previously said its plan was more economical than renovating the East Wing. It also noted that many presidents made changes to the White House. Leon's ruling, published on Tuesday, continued: "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!" "(U)nless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!" added the judge, who was appointed by President George W Bush. The 35-page ruling uses a large number of exclamation points, arguing that Congress must give approval in order for the project to resume. The order takes effect in 14 days, allowing a possible appeal. …