Preservationists Refuse DOJ Request To Drop Lawsuit Over Trump Ballroom
A preservation group on Monday, April 27, 2026, refused a Department of Justice request to drop its lawsuit over former President Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom, keeping the challenge alive. (preservation group)
MS NOW reported the DOJ asked the group to abandon the case and that the preservationists declined, ensuring the legal fight over the project will continue. (MS NOW)
The episode traces back to a lawsuit the group filed challenging approvals tied to Trump's $400 million ballroom, with preservationists arguing the site merits legal protection and opponents saying the project moves important investment forward.
With the group's refusal, the dispute proceeds through the courts; further filings, a judge's ruling, or possible settlement will determine whether the ballroom project goes forward as planned.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, April 27, 2026, the National Trust for Historic Preservation rejected a DOJ request to voluntarily drop its federal lawsuit over the White House ballroom.
- The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, argues Trump cannot build a $400 million, 999-person ballroom on White House grounds without prior authorization from Congress and key federal agencies.
- A lower court has blocked above-ground construction, but a federal appeals court has allowed the project to continue and scheduled a June 5, 2026 hearing.
- The East Wing has already been demolished, and Trump says private donations are funding the ballroom while public money covers a new bunker and security upgrades.
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