The judge ordered Trump to temporarily stop the construction of the White House ballroom

Washington – A U.S. federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump's administration to temporarily halt the construction of a ballroom in the White House, for which Trump had the east wing of the residence of the American presidents demolished last year. The AP agency reports on the preliminary injunction that stipulates that construction can only continue with the consent of Congress.

"The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of first families. However, he does not own it!," emphasized Washington judge Richard Leon, who stated that no legal provision remotely grants the president the authority he claims to have.

The judge, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, granted the preliminary injunction to a preservation organization that criticized Trump for proceeding without the consent of Congress, a comprehensive project assessment, or an environmental impact review.

At the same time, the judge postponed the enforcement of his ruling for 14 days and specified that any construction work necessary to ensure the safety and protection of the White House is exempt from the preliminary injunction. He also expects the administration to appeal his verdict.

The seventy-nine-year-old president has previously repeatedly stated that the White House lacks adequate spaces for large receptions. He expects that the new construction, approximately 8,400 square meters in size, will accommodate around 1,000 people. The construction of the ballroom, estimated to cost around $400 million (8.5 billion CZK), will be fully covered by private donations.