The National Times - Trump ballroom approved by panel, remains stalled by judge

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which has several presidential appointees on its board, greenlit plans in an 8-1 vote.

The scheme aims to construct a massive ballroom on the site of the White House's East Wing -- previously best known for housing the First Lady's offices. It was demolished in September.

Planning approval does not, however, mean construction can go ahead unchecked.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered a halt to construction citing a need for congressional approval. The president is "steward" of the White House, Judge Richard Leon wrote. "He is not, however, the owner!"

Will Scharf, the commission's chairman and a political ally of Trump, addressed the lawsuit before the vote, saying, "That order really does not impact our action here today.

"From my perspective, we have a project before us. We've been asked to review it, and that's really our job here today."

He noted that Judge Leon had placed a two-week delay on his stop-work order to allow the Trump Administration to appeal.

The ballroom has become a passion project for Trump during his second term, and president often discusses the plan in public appearances, press conferences and meetings.

Trump has repeatedly said that a large ballroom is needed to host, among other key events, state dinners for visiting dignitaries.

He has promised to meet the costs -- estimated to be upwards of $400 million -- with private donations, not tax payer money.

F.Harris--TNT