Trump Criticizes Preservation Group Over White House Ballroom Lawsuit

President Donald Trump criticized the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit group that filed a lawsuit against him regarding the construction of the East Wing Ballroom at the White House. In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to the group as 'treasonists' and claimed they revealed top military secrets. The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, alleges that Trump did not follow proper regulatory procedures for the construction project. Both a U.S. District Court and a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the preservation group. Trump contends that the lawsuit jeopardizes national security by risking the safety of plans for a military bunker beneath the ballroom. The Department of Justice previously urged the group to withdraw the lawsuit, asserting it posed a risk to the President's safety. The National Trust's attorney responded that the lawsuit does not endanger the President and criticized the administration's claims. The group released a statement arguing that the administration is attempting to evade the rule of law. Solicitor General D. John Sauer has argued that the construction project is essential for national security, while the appeals court ruled that congressional approval is required to proceed.