President Donald Trump secured major approval for his controversial White House ballroom project, even as the plan faces ongoing legal challenges and growing criticism over its size.
The National Capital Planning Commission voted to approve the project in a near-unanimous decision, with only one member voting against it and two voting present.
The approval marks a significant step forward for the administration, despite a federal court ruling earlier in the week that ordered construction to halt within two weeks.
That ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, found that the project likely requires congressional approval before moving forward.
Leon stated that no existing law grants the president authority to make such major structural changes to the White House without legislative approval.
He also suggested that the legal challenge brought by preservation groups is likely to succeed.
Despite that, the planning commission moved ahead.
NCPC Chair Will Scharf defended the project during the meeting, arguing that criticism from preservationists mirrors past opposition to earlier White House expansions.
He pointed to historical additions such as the West Wing and the briefing room, which also faced resistance at the time but are now considered essential parts of the complex.
“I believe that in time, this ballroom will be considered a national treasure,” Scharf said.
Not everyone agreed.
Washington, D.C. City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson cast the lone vote against the project, arguing that the scale of the ballroom was excessive.
“It’s just too large,” he said, criticizing both the size and the pace of the approval process.
Two additional members declined to fully support the plan, voting present instead.
Concerns over the ballroom’s size have been a central issue.
Designs show the structure extending significantly into the South Lawn, raising objections from architects, preservationists, and critics who argue it alters the historic character of the White House grounds.
The project has also drawn scrutiny over how it was approved.
Trump appointed multiple allies and staff members to key oversight bodies, including the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, which helped fast-track the proposal, per the Daily Mail.
Critics argue that those appointments could expose the project to further legal challenges.
Some have already indicated that additional lawsuits may be filed.
The legal battle is far from over.
Judge Leon’s ruling allows limited construction to continue only if it is directly related to national security, while the broader project remains in question.
He also noted that the president could seek approval from Congress at any time.
Trump has made clear he has no intention of doing so.
Speaking from the Oval Office, he dismissed the idea of going to Congress for authorization.
At the same time, the administration has continued to move forward with updated design plans.
New renderings show adjustments to earlier proposals, including the removal of controversial features that had drawn criticism.
