A new lawsuit was filed by Public Citizen against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request concerning the contract to build a ballroom on White House grounds. Public Citizen says the government has ignored its request and follow-up attempts, prompting the legal challenge in federal court.
Core Issue — FOIA and Transparency
Public Citizen submitted its FOIA request on October 22, 2025, seeking records about the contract and associated documents for the White House ballroom project. According to Public Citizen, neither agency responded within the statutory time limit, nor did they provide updates after repeated inquiries.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, federal agencies are generally required to respond to records requests within specific timelines, unless exemptions apply. When agencies fail to respond, requesters can seek judicial relief to force disclosure or responsive action — which is what Public Citizen aims to do. Wikipedia
Public Citizen’s lawsuit argues that the government’s inaction not only violates FOIA procedures but also reflects a broader lack of transparency around the White House ballroom project.
Public Citizen’s Position
Leaders of Public Citizen framed the lawsuit as a fight for public accountability:
- Jon Golinger, a democracy advocate with Public Citizen, said the government has concealed details about how the National Park Service is being “used as a tool” in what he described as a “shady ballroom funding scheme,” and that the public deserves clarity on the process and funding.
- Wendy Liu, lead counsel for the lawsuit, criticized the administration’s failure to respond, stating it demonstrates a “general disregard for transparency” and a withholding of information “the American people have a right to know.”
Background — The Ballroom Project
The FOIA request and subsequent lawsuit are linked to a larger public controversy over construction of a new White House ballroom, a project that has drawn legal and public scrutiny:
- The government announced plans for a large ballroom at the White House — including demolition of the East Wing — with private funding and significant involvement from corporate donors.
- Preservationists and advocacy groups have challenged the project in court, arguing that required historic preservation and planning reviews were bypassed.
- A federal judge has recently signaled that he is likely to deny requests to halt construction, although litigation is ongoing.
These cases together highlight wider debates about government transparency, executive authority, and the public’s right to know how major White House projects are funded and executed.
Practical Takeaways
- Public Citizen has resorted to litigation because its FOIA request about the White House ballroom contract went unanswered.
- The lawsuit highlights how FOIA enforcement can be used when agencies fail to respond in a timely manner.
- The legal challenge exists alongside broader disputes over the legality, oversight, and public accountability of the ballroom project itself.