A federal judge isn’t ready to slam the brakes on the White House ballroom construction just yet, despite pushback from preservationists.

In a courtroom showdown, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon signaled reluctance to grant a temporary halt to the project as sought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, citing insufficient evidence of immediate harm to the group while the Trump administration pushes forward with plans.

On Tuesday, the legal battle unfolded as the National Trust argued for a pause until congressional approval and independent reviews are secured.

Judge Leon's Stance on Harm

Judge Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, wasn’t swayed by the preservationists’ plea for an immediate stop.

He pointed out that the harm to the group wasn’t “so great and certain” during the short window a restraining order would cover, poking a hole in the urgency of their claim.

With below-ground work not slated to start until early next year and above-ground changes even further off in the spring, the judge questioned the rush to intervene now.

Trump Administration Pushes Back

The Trump administration, never shy about defending its agenda, fired back in court filings, asserting that the preservation group lacks the legal standing to even bring this challenge.

They’ve got a point—why should a project tied to national security and executive needs be derailed by a group that might not have skin in the game?

Besides, with plans for the ballroom still in flux despite ongoing demolition, it’s hard to cry foul over something not yet set in stone.

Security Concerns Take Center Stage

Adding weight to the administration’s case, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn submitted a declaration warning that a halt would “consequently hamper” the agency’s ability to meet critical safety and security mandates.

That’s no small matter—when the Secret Service says a project is tied to protecting the nation’s highest office, it’s not just bureaucratic whining; it’s a red flag we should heed over progressive preservationist concerns.

Judge Leon seems to agree, at least for now, as he noted the delayed construction timeline gives breathing room before any irreversible steps are taken.

Final Ruling Still Pending

While the judge tipped his hand against an immediate stop, he’s keeping his cards close for a final ruling in the coming days.

He also gave the administration “fair notice” that if below-ground tweaks mess with the above-ground structure, they’d better be ready to tear it down—a subtle but sharp reminder that this isn’t a blank check.

Until then, the White House ballroom project hangs in a tense limbo, a fitting metaphor for the broader clash between tradition and transformation that defines so much of today’s political landscape.