DOJ cites Washington dinner shooting in lawsuit over White House ballroom

April 28, 2026

The Justice Department is requesting a federal judge lift a construction halt on Donald Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom project, using a recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner as justification for the venue's necessity. A judge had previously stopped the construction after the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, arguing Trump lacked proper congressional and federal agency approvals to demolish the historic East Wing and proceed with development. The government's court filing claims presidents need a secure space for large events and includes language mimicking Trump's social media style, while legal experts doubt this approach will persuade the judge.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and future presidents
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (plaintiff in the lawsuit)
Federal Judge Richard Leon (overseeing the case)
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and other DOJ officials
Members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and government staff who attend presidential events
Attendees of the White House Correspondents' Dinner (over 2,300 people present during the shooting)
Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

What action is being taken

The US Department of Justice is asking a judge to lift the pause on construction work
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is maintaining its lawsuit against the project
A federal judge has issued and is maintaining a halt on above-ground construction

Why it matters

This case represents a conflict between presidential authority and historic preservation laws, setting a precedent for whether presidents can undertake major construction projects on White House grounds without congressional and federal agency approval. The controversy highlights tensions over proper governmental procedures versus executive power, particularly regarding the demolition of the historic 1902 East Wing. The outcome will determine both the fate of this specific $400 million project and establish guidelines for how future administrations must navigate historic preservation requirements when modifying iconic federal properties.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC