Trump blocked from White House ballroom construction by federal judge

President Trump reacted to the decision Tuesday, pushing back on the court’s authority.

(CNN)- A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump from moving forward with construction of a massive new ballroom at the White House, ruling the project cannot continue without approval from Congress.

President Trump reacted to the decision Tuesday, pushing back on the court’s authority.

“Basically he’s saying I need congressional approval. And he’s so wrong,” Trump said.

The proposed ballroom would be built on the former site of the White House East Wing. According to the lead architect, the project is expected to span roughly 89,000 square feet—significantly larger than the White House’s primary structure, which measures about 55,000 square feet.

In the ruling, the judge emphasized limits on presidential authority over the historic property, writing, “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of first families. He is not, however, the owner.” The judge added that without congressional authorization, “construction has to stop.”

Trump has argued the project does not require congressional approval because it would be funded entirely through private donations, not taxpayer dollars.

“This is taxpayer free. We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents,” Trump said.

However, critics say the use of private funding raises its own concerns.

“Some of our nation’s largest corporations greased this operation,” said former Democratic Congressman Max Rose.

Others argue Congress should have taken action sooner to address the project.

“Congress knew that some of this could have been unlawful, could have demanded—you have to ask us first if you’re going to spend taxpayer money on this or any money on this,” said political commentator S.E. Cupp.