UMVA has learned that President Trump has launched a scathing attack on US District Judge Richard Leon, accusing him of "putting our country in danger" by stalling the construction of Trump's White House Ballroom.
The President's outburst came after Leon temporarily halted construction on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom in March, and later limited construction, allowing Trump to proceed with building an underground bunker. Trump's response was swift and fierce, with the President calling Leon "a man who has gone out of his way to undermine National Security" and demanding that he "get out of the way, and FAST."
Trump is still fighting in court to continue construction, arguing that the recent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner further justifies the ballroom for national security purposes. He's also emphasized the ballroom's function as a defense installation, housing drones in case of an attack on Washington, DC.
"This will someday save Washington," Trump said, showcasing an image of his proposed drone port on top of the White House. "Judge Leon has to get out of the way, and FAST. He is putting our Country in danger!"
The President has previously shared his drone port concept, slamming Judge Leon and warning that "if anything happens, he will be held responsible for the Death and Destruction caused to our Country." Trump has argued that with modern-day weaponry, Washington, D.C. can no longer be defended with rifles and pistols alone.
However, lawmakers, including Republicans, are pushing back against Trump's plans. The Senate recently voted to pass a reconciliation package to fund the Department of Homeland Security's immigration agencies, but only after removing $1 billion in funding for the ballroom.
A group of six Republicans, including Susan Collins, Jon Husted, and Thom Tillis, voted in favor of an amendment to require Congressional approval for the construction. The move is part of a larger effort to block Trump's White House Ballroom project.
