Federal Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Trump White House Ballroom Lawsuit in Landmark Commercial Dispute
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge in the District of Columbia has denied a motion to dismiss a commercial lawsuit involving President Donald Trump, the White House ballroom, and a private events management company.
The case, filed on February 3, 2025, centers on a dispute over a contract to host a series of luxury galas in the White House East Room. The plaintiff, DC Events Group, alleges that the Trump administration breached a 2023 agreement to rent the White House ballroom for three annual fundraising events, claiming the deal was abruptly canceled in November 2024 without explanation.
According to court documents, the plaintiff argues the cancellation caused over $12 million in lost revenue and reputational damage. The defendant, represented by the Department of Justice, counters that the agreement was never finalized and was void due to insufficient public bidding procedures.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Nina Patel ruled the lawsuit could proceed, stating that the contractual questions require further factual discovery. "The plaintiff has presented sufficient evidence of a potential breach to avoid dismissal," Patel wrote in her eight-page opinion.
The White House press office declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. The case is expected to proceed to trial in early 2026.