"A federal judge said Tuesday he's leaning toward denying a preservationist group's request to temporarily halt President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project, saying the organization failed to show that "irreparable harm" would be caused if the project moves forward. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said he could issue a final decision on the restraining order by Wednesday. But Leon said he plans to hold another hearing in January on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request to pause the ballroom project until it goes through multiple independent reviews and wins approval from Congress."
"In the meantime, Leon warned the administration to not make decisions on underground work, such as the routing of plumbing and gas lines, that would dictate the scope of future ballroom construction above ground. If that were to happen, Leon said, "the court will address it, I assure you of that." Trump, speaking Tuesday night at a Hannukah event, thanked the judge for the "courage in making the proper decision." He also described the ballroom as costing $400 million, though its previously listed price tag was $300 million."
"Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, said it remained "fully committed to upholding the interests of the American people and advocating for compliance with the law, including review by the National Capital Planning Commission and an opportunity for the public to provide comment and shape the project." Trump went ahead with the ballroom construction before seeking input from a pair of federal review panels, the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Trump has stocked the planning commission with allies, including the chairman, Will Scharf, who recently said he expected to receive the ballroom plans sometime this month."
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon indicated he is inclined to deny the National Trust for Historic Preservation's temporary restraining order request, finding the group did not demonstrate likely irreparable harm. Leon said he could issue a final decision by Wednesday and scheduled another hearing in January on the Trust's request to pause the ballroom until it undergoes independent reviews and gains Congressional approval. Leon warned the administration not to undertake underground work that would predetermine above-ground construction. President Trump thanked the judge and cited a $400 million cost. The National Trust said it remains committed to legal compliance and public review. Trump advanced work before seeking input from two federal review panels.
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