Trump's White House Expansion Hits Snag

0:00President Trump's pushing hard for a massive ballroom addition to the White House, but a federal judge just threw a wrench in it. The 90,000 square foot space would be the biggest change to the building in over 70 years, and Judge Richard Leon ruled Tuesday that. Construction has to stop unless Congress signs off, calling the president a steward not the owner. The National Capital Planning Commission still plans to vote on approval Thursday, since the judge's order hits actual building work, not the planning, stage. Trump tweaked the design over the weekend, ditching a big useless staircase and adding a porch, saying he listened to feedback from the public and oversight groups. Published backlash has been fierce, with tons of folks signing up to slam the idea at the commission meeting, forcing a delay from March. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued after Trump demolished the East Wing last fall, without full approvals, arguing it trashes the National Landmark. Costs have ballooned to $400 million, partly from private donors including Trump himself,

1:02though taxpayer money covers security, upgrades, underground work keeps going, and above ground building might not kick off to April at the earliest, even if the vote passes. With Trump's term winding down by early 2029, this legacy play faces real hurdles from courts and critics, but the commission stacked. With his appointees could green light it anyway, keeping the drama alive, stay informed with Vancouver News today, AI-powered updates, I'm Corey with The Story.