Washington: US President Donald Trump has declared that the ongoing construction of a White House ballroom is beyond the point of reversal, despite assertions by Justice Department attorneys that the plans remain adjustable and subject to further review.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump made his stance clear in an extensive post on his Truth Social account, insisting that the project is too far along to be halted due to the procurement of essential materials. He emphasized, "There is no practical or reasonable way to go back," and underscored his point with the emphatic declaration: 'IT IS TOO LATE!'
This public declaration contrasts with the administration's legal stance. Just days earlier, Justice Department lawyers informed a judge that the ballroom's design could still be modified, and that the White House intends to wait for assessments by two federal advisory panels before commencing any aboveground construction slated for April.
Presiding over the case, US District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, anticipates issuing a ruling in the coming weeks on the project's future. The White House has yet to reconcile Trump's public statements with the administration's legal arguments.
Trump and his aides prioritize the ballroom project, with Trump framing it as a national security issue. In his post, he listed materials already secured or planned for acquisition, including structural steel, windows, and anti-drone roofing, emphasizing the project's advanced stage.
The announcement follows Trump's October directive to demolish the East Wing annex to accommodate the ballroom, a decision that faced criticism from Democrats, watchdogs, and some conservatives who argued for public input on such significant alterations to the 'People's House.'
Subsequent to the demolition, the White House initiated work on the project's underground components, employing heavy machinery and a tower crane, citing the president's safety as the rationale.
In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the project proceeded without necessary reviews or congressional approval. They have urged Judge Leon to pause construction pending these reviews, asserting that ongoing work renders the project increasingly irreversible.
The Justice Department defends Trump's authority to modify the White House grounds, presenting testimony from an engineer involved in the project who suggested potential design changes remain viable. The National Trust countered with testimony from architect William Bates, noting that underground construction largely dictates aboveground possibilities, with alterations requiring significant demolition and redesign.
Judge Leon, overseeing the case in Washington, expressed skepticism towards the administration's claims, questioning the legality of financing the project with private donations, given that some donors maintain substantial government contracts.
The two federal advisory bodies reviewing the ballroom, the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, are now chaired by Trump appointees after changes in their leadership. White House officials aim for both panels' approval by March, with leadership expressing support for the project.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, remarked, "I know the president wants to get on with this, and we need to let him do his job," reflecting the administration's determination to proceed.