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.”
