The nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia to stop ongoing construction of the White House’s East Wing ballroom, claiming it is unlawful.
The lawsuit also asks the court to halt further construction activities until the Trump administration engages in the “legally mandated review processes, including a public comment period.” The filing claims the construction began without plans being submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission as required by the National Capital Planning Act; adding that the project commenced without “adequate public environmental assessment” or an Environmental Impact Statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Furthermore, the lawsuit stated the construction of the new ballroom was not authorized by Congress, a violation of the Property Clause of the Constitution, which reserves to Congress the right to dispose of and make all rules regarding property belonging to the United States.
The National Trust noted that was currently the only plaintiff in this case and has retained Foley Hoag as outside counsel. It volunteered to help the Executive Branch “in exploring design alternatives and modifications that would accomplish the objectives of the Administration while preserving the historic integrity and symbolism of the People’s House.”
The Trump administration did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.
“The White House is arguably the most evocative building in our country and a globally recognized symbol of our powerful American ideals. As the organization charged with protecting places where our history happened, the National Trust was compelled to file this case,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Submitting the project to the National Capital Planning Commission for review protects the iconic historic features of the White House campus as it evolves. 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.”
It is about time that we, the American people, are being represented to keep something that belongs to us, not the person that is in the White House. This is the people’s house, not the Trump house!
The old part has already been torn down.
Do you comprehend that? It is being rebuild at no cost to the taxpayers.
Your hatred for the current President is blinding you.
Oh, it’s at a cost to us, the tax payer. The companies that so called “donated” the funds to build it, pay very little in taxes, if anything. Republicans use to care about law & order but that’s out the window–it’s all about corruption now!! Say what you want to say—-but, I want everyone to pay their fair share, top to bottom!
Bob… totally agree!! Thanks for speaking up.
Once again the Enviromental Impact act is trying to be used as an extreme measure to control construction. What negative impact would the new ballroom do to the land? Affect a few earth worms? Earth worms multiply like crazy so their numbers will rebound after all the work is done. The foot print of the addition will eliminate open space to absorb rain water. The runoff will be minimal and yet possibly it can be retained for recycling for other parts of the large yard. We are getting this ball room addition for free. If you know of Trumps buildings then you know that he builds things 1st class. In the future if a new President wants to redecorate or change some items then they can. Historical preservation societies have made rebuilding or rehabilitation of properties very expensive. As an appraiser for 37 years I appraised many houses in Historically designated areas. Many owners and builders were frustrated by their excessive demands. I found that many homes in Historical areas lacked the demand due to the building restriction thus limiting buyers which in turn kept prices lower than what they could have been otherwise. Regardless, Thank You Mr. President for doing this addition to our White House. I hope you win the lawsuit and silence these critics.