Federal Judge Won’t Block White House Ballroom Construction

Judge Richard Leon previously indicated he would probably allow work on the project to continue.

Tourists observe demolition of the East Wing of the White House during construction of new ballroom facilities from the top of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15, 2025. Jessica Koscielniak/Reuters

A federal district judge on Dec. 17 allowed the ongoing ballroom construction project at the White House to continue, turning away a preservation organization’s request to halt it, at least for the time being.

The litigation is still underway, and a court hearing is scheduled for January.