- A federal judge in Washington rejected a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeking to block Donald Trump's White House ballroom project.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied the injunction, stating the group's legal arguments were based on a “ragtag group of theories” and incorrectly applied the Administrative Procedure Act.
- The judge highlighted that the lawsuit failed to allege the project was “ultra vires” (beyond authority), which is necessary to challenge the use of private funds and lack of congressional oversight.
- Despite the rejection, Judge Leon left open the possibility for the National Trust to revive its challenge if they amend their complaint with the correct “ultra vires” claim.
- Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, boasting that the privately funded project, anticipated to cost up to $400 million, is ahead of schedule and under budget.
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