The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump and several federal agencies in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to block construction of a new ballroom at the White House.

The lawsuit, lodged on December 12, 2025, contends that the demolition of the historic East Wing and the ongoing construction of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom have proceeded without legally mandated environmental reviews, architectural assessments, public comment, or congressional approval, violating multiple federal statutes.

According to the preservation group, the demolition of the East Wing, which began in October as part of Mr. Trump’s expansive renovation plans, should have been subject to review by the National Capital Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts and other oversight bodies before work commenced.

The Trust asserts that such procedures, including opportunity for public input under the National Environmental Policy Act and other planning laws, are essential to safeguard the historic integrity of the White House complex and to honour its status as a public landmark.

The complaint argues that no president — including Mr. Trump — is exempt from statutory and constitutional requirements governing alterations to federal property, and calls for a temporary restraining order to stop further construction until necessary reviews and approvals are secured.

The suit names the National Park Service, Department of the Interior and the General Services Administration alongside the president as defendants, and sets a court hearing for a motion to pause work in the coming week.

The White House has defended the project as a lawful exercise of presidential authority to renovate and modernise the Executive Residence, noting that previous administrations have undertaken significant changes to the White House over its more than two-century history.

A White House spokesman reiterated that the president believes he has “full legal authority to modernise, renovate and beautify the White House,” asserting that the ballroom project is privately funded and consistent with historic precedents.

Supporters of the National Trust’s action argue that rigorous review and public engagement are necessary when modifying a site of profound national significance.

With construction already underway at the former East Wing site, the lawsuit represents the most consequential legal challenge to date against the ballroom project, testing the balance between presidential powers and statutory preservation requirements as the capital watches one of its most iconic buildings evolve under Mr. Trump’s direction.