President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to a federal judge blocking construction of a $400 million White House ballroom and drone defense system, saying the jurist will bear responsibility for any attack on the nation’s capital. The President directly called out U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for endangering national security over what Trump describes as a frivolous lawsuit from a serial litigant.
Judge Faces Presidential Rebuke Over Construction Injunction
Trump took to Truth Social Sunday to criticize Judge Leon’s handling of the case, which has halted parts of the massive White House East Wing project. The President warned that the DronePort at the White House Ballroom would become the most sophisticated defensive system anywhere in the world, designed to safeguard Washington for generations. Trump stated Leon would be held responsible for any death and destruction caused to the country if an attack occurs while construction remains blocked.
The lawsuit stems from a complaint by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, though Trump characterized the plaintiff as a highly litigious woman upset about disrupted strolling paths. The President argued she has no legal standing to challenge a critical national security project. Trump emphasized that modern weaponry requires more than rifles and pistols to defend the capital, demanding immediate dismissal of what he called a ridiculous lawsuit.
Justice Department Cites Recent White House Attack
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a five-page motion pressing Judge Leon to lift the injunction, citing a recent shooting outside a White House checkpoint as evidence of urgent security needs. The gunman opened fire at security personnel before being shot by officers and later dying at a hospital. Blanche described the case as tremendously harmful to America, filed by a known serial plaintiff who challenged the project before knowing what would be built.
The Justice Department previously referenced a foiled attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April, along with two assassination attempts against Trump in less than a month, as reasons to dissolve the injunction. The National Trust has refused to drop the case despite these security concerns.
Massive Underground Complex Planned Beneath Ballroom
Trump revealed during a reporter tour that the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom would include a rooftop drone base and six-story underground military complex with hospital and research facilities. The entire roof structure is designed for military use with massive drone capacity, built to withstand direct attacks. Trump explained the roof is both drone-proof and serves as a drone port to protect all of Washington. The privately funded project, described as a gift to America from patriots, would accommodate up to 2,000 guests while dwarfing the historic White House complex.