Defending the White House Ballroom, the DOJ Files a Trump Tantrum Masquerading As a Motion
The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, filed a motion urging a federal judge to reconsider an injunction that had temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's plan to build a new ballroom on the site of the White House's East Wing. The motion ties the project to national security, citing a recent assassination attempt at a Washington Hilton event, though the connection remains tenuous. The filing's tone and content closely mirror Trump's public rhetoric, raising questions about its legal objectivity.
- ▪The DOJ motion argues that a recent assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton underscores the need for a secure ballroom at the White House.
- ▪The preliminary injunction blocking the ballroom project was issued on March 31 but is currently stayed while the D.C. Circuit Court reviews the case.
- ▪Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche claims the ballroom is essential for presidential security, despite the attack occurring at a private event unrelated to the executive branch.
- ▪The motion criticizes the National Trust for Historic Preservation, calling it 'FAKE' and accusing it of obstructing vital national security projects.
- ▪Judge Richard Leon previously rejected a similar request to lift the injunction, and the current motion is unlikely to change his stance.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Donald Trump Defending the White House Ballroom, the DOJ Files a Trump Tantrum Masquerading As a Motion The brief, which asks a federal judge to reconsider an injunction blocking the project, reads like it was transcribed from the president's Truth Social account. Jacob Sullum | 4.28.2026 5:15 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/04/White-House-ballroom-interior-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="an interior image of the planned White House ballroom" alt="an interior image of the planned White House ballroom | White House" /> (White House) After the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason Magazine.