The Trump administration may carry on with building plans for a White House ballroom over the now-demolished East Wing — at least for the time being.
Judge Richard Leon said during oral arguments before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday afternoon he was “inclined” to deny a historical preservation group’s request to order a temporary freeze on construction.
But Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, said he would consider arguments that the Trump administration is breaking numerous laws — including mandatory environmental reviews — during a second hearing in January.
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Justice Department attorneys said below-ground work won’t begin until January, with above-ground construction estimated to begin in April.
