U.S. Court Halts White House Renovation Pending Congressional Approval

A federal judge in the United States has ordered the Trump administration to pause the renovation project of the White House banquet hall until congressional authorization is obtained. According to RTHK, Judge Leon of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia approved a preliminary injunction request on Tuesday, filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The judge emphasized that while U.S. President Donald Trump manages the White House, he does not own it. He further stated that Trump's claim that Congress had authorized him to proceed with the renovation of the East Wing banquet hall using private funds was unfounded, as no regulations grant the president the powers he asserted. The preliminary injunction will delay the project for 14 days, during which the Trump administration may appeal the decision.