A judge has just thrown out and completely erased the effort to stop construction of the White House Ballroom.
Evidence and Verdict
For
Multiple news reports (USA Today, AP, CNN) say U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon declined the National Trust's request to block or enjoin work on the White House ballroom and allowed construction to continue. NPR records that President Trump posted and celebrated the ruling, describing it as having “thrown out, and completely erased, the effort to stop its construction,” reflecting that the judge’s decision halted immediate attempts to stop work. Several outlets describe the judge’s action as a denial of the request to halt construction rather than an approval of the project itself.
Against
Reporting (NPR, CNN, USA Today) and fact-checking (Snopes) make clear the judge’s orders allowed work to continue “for now” and did not dismiss the underlying lawsuit, so the legal challenge remains pending. Snopes and earlier AP coverage note the judge previously denied a temporary restraining order on the ground that plans were not finalized and there was no imminent risk of irreparable aesthetic harm, which undercuts the claim that the court “completely erased” the preservationists’ effort.
Verdict
The claim mixes fact and overstatement: it is true a judge refused to block construction and allowed work to proceed, but false/misleading to say the court “threw out and completely erased” the effort to stop the ballroom because the lawsuit and possible future relief remain active. The correct characterization is that the request for an immediate halt was denied, not that the legal challenge was entirely eliminated.
Sources
Judge says Trump White House ballroom construction ... - USA Today
Judge says Trump White House ballroom construction ... - USA Today - Feb 27, 2026
U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon's ruling comes after the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December against Trump and several federal agencies asking to stop con...
Open sourceTrump's ballroom project can continue for now, court says - NPR
Trump's ballroom project can continue for now, court says - NPR - Feb 27, 2026
Trump celebrated with a social media post, writing "Great news for America, and our wonderful White House! The Judge on the case of what will be the most beautiful Ballroom anywhere in the World, h...
Open sourceJudge rejects request to block Trump's ballroom project - AP News
Judge rejects request to block Trump's ballroom project - AP News - Feb 27, 2026
Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, where the East Wing once stood. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Open sourceJudge lets White House ballroom project continue - CNN
Judge lets White House ballroom project continue - CNN - Feb 27, 2026
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the Trump administration in December over the sprawling ballroom project and asked for a preliminary injunction, claiming the White House has been...
Open sourceJudge rejects request to block Trump White House from building its ...
Judge rejects request to block Trump White House from building its ... - Feb 27, 2026
AP Logo
Open sourceWhite House sued by historic preservation group over ballroom plans
White House sued by historic preservation group over ballroom plans - Feb 27, 2026
"Just last week, a towering construction crane was erected on the White House grounds, and President Trump recounted that work on the Ballroom Project was audible all night."
Open source