Trump slams ‘radical left group of lunatics’ after judge blocks White House ballroom construction

Donald Trump defended his projects as under budget and ahead of schedule, calling them a 'show of Bipartisan Unity' despite lawsuits
Donald Trump blasted the National Trust for Historic Preservation after a court blocked his ballroom project, calling it unfairly targeted (White House.gov, AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Donald Trump blasted the National Trust for Historic Preservation after a court blocked his ballroom project, calling it unfairly targeted (White House.gov, AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump criticized the National Trust for Historic Preservation on Tuesday, March 31, calling them a "radical left group of lunatics whose funding was stopped by Congress in 2005," after a federal judge blocked construction of the White House ballroom, ruling that it cannot proceed without congressional approval.

He argued that the group is unfairly targeting a project that is "under budget, ahead of schedule" and being built at no cost to the public, aiming to create one of the finest buildings in the world.



Trump defends projects as under budget, ahead of schedule

Trump defended his construction projects, saying they are being completed faster and more cheaply than expected.

He stated, "The National Trust for Historic Preservation sues me for a Ballroom that is under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World."

He also mentioned his work on the former Kennedy Center, now renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, noting that the group had previously sued him for launching a major reconstruction of the Washington performing arts complex without obtaining the necessary congressional approval.

He called the project "a show of Bipartisan Unity, a Republican and Democrat President!" where he is simply "fixing, cleaning, running, and 'sprucing up' a terribly maintained, for many years, Building, but a Building of potentially great importance."

As seen from the Washington Monument, construction of the White House ballroom continues, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where the East Wing once stood. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
As seen from the Washington Monument, construction of the White House ballroom continues, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, where the East Wing once stood (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump questions Trust silence on Fed building overruns

The president questioned why the group is suing him but not the Federal Reserve over its own construction issues.

He claimed the Trust "is not suing the Federal Reserve for a Building which has been decimated and destroyed, inside and out, by an incompetent and possibly corrupt Fed Chairman."

Trump complained that the Fed’s building is "BILLIONS over budget, may never be completed, and may never open," yet the preservationists have remained silent while the "beautiful walls were ripped down, never to be built again, but the National 'Trust' for Historic Preservation never did anything about it!"

Construction cranes being used for the White House ballroom are seen around the White House, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Construction cranes being used for the White House ballroom are seen around the White House, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump blasts double standards over lawsuits, cites rail failure

Trump also pointed to the high-speed rail project in California as a major disaster that the National Trust has ignored.

He asked if the group has "sued on Governor Gavin Newscum's 'RAILROAD TO NOWHERE' in California that is BILLIONS over Budget and, probably, will never open or be used."

He argued that it is unfair for his projects to be blocked while expensive failures continue without legal challenges.

He concluded by saying it is strange that his projects, which are "among the most magnificent Buildings of their kind anywhere in the World," face lawsuits while "all of the many DISASTERS in our Country are left alone to die. Doesn't make much sense, does it?"

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Lawmakers raise questions over possible mistaken identity, the absence of body-camera footage, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting
27 minutes ago
Donald Trump said he was 'never a huge fan' of Mitch McConnell but added that he hopes the senator recovers
9 hours ago
Trump said the Reflecting Pool was drained to repair damage he attributed to vandalism, rejecting reports that repairs were linked to peeling liner and algae
10 hours ago
Trump says he is 'giving it back' to the people as he rolls back protections on two Utah monuments
11 hours ago
Graham's assets were primarily invested in mutual funds and US government bonds, allowing him to largely avoid the stock trading controversies that have surrounded other lawmakers
11 hours ago
Iran's FM rejected Trump's claim, saying Iran, not the US, has 'been the Guardian of the Strait'
12 hours ago
The notification gives the Pentagon another 60 days to continue military operations without congressional approval
14 hours ago
An emotional John Thune fought back tears as he honored Lindsey Graham, recalling his final Ukraine mission and lifelong service
18 hours ago
The appointment comes days before Republicans begin filing for a special primary to pick their nominee for November's election
20 hours ago
The task force intensified the Pentagon's crackdown on leaks by boosting Justice Department coordination and speeding internal investigations
20 hours ago