U.S. President Donald Trump holds an image of a rendering of the new White House ballroom to be built in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 22, 2025. [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters]

Judge halts Trump ballroom project; Trump says work can go on

President Trump seemed to suggest work on the $400 million White House ballroom could continue despite a judge’s order to halt work, saying “safety and security” matters give him a way to continue.