Trump ballroom lawsuit plaintiff rejects DOJ demand to drop case after 'assassination attempt'

the national trust for historic preservation rejected a doj demand to drop its lawsuit against trump's $400 million white house ballroom project. the doj's brett shumate argued the suit "puts the lives of the president, his family, and his staff at great risk" after a shooting at the white house correspondents' dinner. trust lawyer gregory craig called that claim "incorrect and irresponsible." he noted congress has not authorized the ballroom, and nothing stops the doj from asking for that approval. a federal judge had blocked construction nine days before the shooting, ruling that "national security is not a blank check." trump and republican lawmakers used the incident to push for the ballroom, citing security concerns. rep. mike lawler called it "imperative." house speaker mike johnson said it would be safer than the hotel where the shooting occurred. the doj has appealed the injunction, and the circuit court lifted it while expediting review.