President Donald Trump says a preservationist group trying to stop the construction of a massive $400 million White House ballroom has accidentally exposed a “Top Secret fact” about the project. This is a major development in the legal fight over one of the biggest renovations in presidential history.
According to USA Today, Trump posted on Truth Social about the lawsuit, claiming that filing the case revealed highly sensitive information. The “Top Secret fact” he mentioned is that the United States Military and Secret Service were deeply involved in designing and approving the new addition. Trump says this involvement was classified information that should have stayed secret.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit in December against Trump and several federal agencies. The group argues the construction needed a proper review process, an environmental assessment, and permission from Congress.
Trump claims presidential authority allows the ballroom construction without congressional approval
Trump completely disagrees with these claims. He argues that because of the special grounds where the White House sits, a sitting president has never needed permission to make changes, no matter how big. He stressed the project is moving forward “with the design, consent, and approval of the highest levels of the United States Military and Secret Service.”
The new ballroom is being built on a site with major historical importance. The East Wing was demolished in October to make room for the new building. That area has housed an underground bomb shelter since the 1940s, originally installed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II when officials worried the White House could be bombed.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon held a hearing on the lawsuit in Washington, DC. Judge Leon raised serious questions about whether Trump actually has the legal power to tear down the East Wing and build a ballroom without proper congressional oversight. When a lawyer for the administration compared the project to smaller renovations, like a pool installation in the 1970s, Judge Leon reportedly said, “Come on, be serious.”
The administration argues that stopping the work would harm national security. Matthew Quinn, deputy director of the Secret Service, filed documents saying that if the remaining work isn’t finished, the agency’s ability to protect the president, first family, and White House complex would be “hampered.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced legal challenges that have complicated his political agenda. He added, “IT IS TOO LATE! Why didn’t these obstructionists and troublemakers bring their baseless lawsuit much earlier?” The ballroom will hold 1,000 people. Earlier plans showed a $200 million cost for 650 people, but the 90,000-square-foot building now costs $400 million. Trump says taxpayers aren’t paying anything.
The funding comes from private donations from “President Trump, and other patriot donors,” including companies like Palantir, Lockheed Martin, and Meta. The White House is exempt from the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which usually requires reviews for historic buildings.
However, the National Capital Planning Commission is still reviewing the construction plans and will vote on March 5. An online portal for the public to register to speak opens on February 12. The president has been pushing several ambitious projects recently, including his plan to replace the UN with his own international organization.
Published: Jan 26, 2026 03:55 pm