The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), a congressionally chartered nonprofit dedicated to protecting America’s historic sites, has filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump and several federal agencies, alleging violations of multiple laws in the ongoing construction of a massive new ballroom on the White House grounds.
The complaint, filed on December 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses the administration of unlawfully demolishing the historic East Wing in October without required reviews, public input, or congressional approval.
The NTHP is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to immediately stop further work on the $300 million, privately funded project until proper procedures are followed.
“The White House is arguably the most evocative building in our country and a globally recognized symbol of our powerful American ideals,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the NTHP, in a statement. “As the organization charged with protecting places where our history happened, the National Trust was compelled to file this case.”
Quillen stated that submitting the project to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for review would safeguard the White House’s iconic features, while public comments would demonstrate respect for democratic principles.
“Inviting comments from the American people signals respect and helps ensure a lasting legacy that befits a government of the people, by the people, for the people,” she added.
The lawsuit contends that the administration bypassed mandates under the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and other statutes requiring consultation with the NCPC, the Commission of Fine Arts, environmental assessments, and potential congressional authorization for major alterations to federal property. It argues that no president—regardless of party—may unilaterally demolish parts of the White House or build on public land without oversight and public participation.
Demolition of the East Wing began in October 2025, despite prior NTHP calls for a pause, clearing the site for the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Construction activities, including site preparation and machinery deployment, have continued amid claims by the White House that reviews are only needed for “vertical” building phases.
The White House has defended the project, with spokesperson Davis Ingle stating that President Trump has “full legal authority to modernize, renovate, and beautify the White House—just like all of his predecessors did.” Plans are reportedly set to be submitted to the NCPC later this month.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon has scheduled an emergency hearing on the NTHP’s motion for injunctive relief, highlighting the urgency of the preservation group’s bid to preserve the White House’s historic integrity.
