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National Trust for Historic Preservation v. NPS

No. 26-5123 Circuit · Active Active
Court
D.C. Cir.
cadc
Filed
Apr 16, 2026
Filed (CL)
Apr 16, 2026
CL Status
active

Case Overview

The government appealed Judge Leon's order which clarified the scope of his preliminary injunction halting the construction of the White House ballroom.


The Application

History

Judge Leon determined that the National Trust satisfied the preliminary injunction standard and issued an order halting the ballroom construction. Leon later clarified the scope of that injunction, which the government now contests, arguing either that the historic preservation injury is not irreparable or that the injunction's scope exceeds what the facts support.

The Conclusion

The D.C. Circuit is reviewing whether Judge Leon properly scoped the preliminary injunction to redress valid historic preservation concerns or whether the injunction was overbroad or improvident.

Federal Court TMR-021fa9f6 East Wing Demolition <br> Appeal of 1:25-cv-04316 Jul 11, 2026

Case Analysis

Overview

The government appealed Judge Leon's order which clarified the scope of his preliminary injunction halting the construction of the White House ballroom.

Issue

Whether the scope of the preliminary injunction halting White House ballroom construction was properly tailored to address alleged historic preservation injuries.

Rule

A preliminary injunction is warranted only upon a showing of likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable injury, balance of equities favoring the injunction, and that the injunction serves the public interest. The injunction must be narrowly tailored to prevent the specific harm identified.

Analysis

Judge Leon determined that the National Trust satisfied the preliminary injunction standard and issued an order halting the ballroom construction. Leon later clarified the scope of that injunction, which the government now contests, arguing either that the historic preservation injury is not irreparable or that the injunction's scope exceeds what the facts support.

Conclusion

The D.C. Circuit is reviewing whether Judge Leon properly scoped the preliminary injunction to redress valid historic preservation concerns or whether the injunction was overbroad or improvident.

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