Trump Faces Lawsuit Over $300M White House East Wing Demolition

President Donald Trump is facing legal challenges and public backlash over the demolition of the White House's East Wing to build a new $300 million ballroom. A Virginia couple filed an emergency motion alleging that the project violates federal preservation laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act, and was undertaken without required approvals or adequate public review. The lawsuit argues that Trump bypassed necessary consultations with preservation bodies, raising questions about presidential authority versus public oversight of this historic site. Trump has defended the demolition as necessary, asserting the East Wing was largely deteriorated and emphasizing his transparency by showing plans to the public and media. However, preservation groups and critics have expressed concern over the scale of the new ballroom overshadowing the historic mansion and the lack of transparency in the process. Trump’s confrontational response to reporters, including calling one a "third-rate reporter," highlights the contentious nature of the project and the broader debate over historic preservation and presidential power.