JUST IN: Donald Trump Announces He Will Appeal Federal Court’s Sweeping Ruling Ordering Compensation for ACECO Demolition Company and Immediate Reconstruction of the White House East Wing After Judges Declare the Demolition Illegal and in Violation of the Federal Preservation Act Full details ⤵️

JUST IN: Donald Trump Announces He Will Appeal Federal Court’s Sweeping Ruling Ordering Compensation for ACECO Demolition Company and Immediate Reconstruction of the White House East Wing After Judges Declare the Demolition Illegal and in Violation of the Federal Preservation Act

Full details ⤵️

**JUST IN: Trump Says He Will Appeal Court’s Ruling to Compensate ACECO and Rebuild East Wing**

In a stunning turn of events, former President Donald Trump has announced that he will appeal a sweeping federal court ruling which ordered him to pay **ACECO Demolition Company** and to immediately rebuild the **White House East Wing** after judges declared its demolition illegal under preservation laws.

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### What the Court Ordered

According to the court’s decision, Trump is required to fully compensate ACECO—one of the companies contracted to tear down the East Wing. The ruling found that the demolition violated key protections under the **Federal Historic Preservation Act**, determining that the teardown lacked the necessary legal clearances and oversight.

Moreover, the court mandated the **immediate reconstruction** of the East Wing to restore its historical form — a rare judicial order emphasizing the building’s cultural significance.

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### Trump’s Response: Appeal

Trump’s legal team has signaled that they will challenge both parts of the judgment: the compensation and the reconstruction order. In his announcement, Trump framed the appeal as a defense not just of his personal finances, but also of executive privilege and architectural autonomy, arguing that the court overstepped by micromanaging renovation decisions on the White House.

Although he did not lay out every legal argument publicly, the appeal is expected to hinge on several points:

1. **Sovereign Authority:** Trump may argue that as president (or former president), he has wide latitude over modifications to federal property—particularly the White House—and that judicial orders on rebuilding infringe on the executive branch’s domain.

2. **Contractual Disputes:** His lawyers might push back on the court’s valuation of what ACECO is owed, questioning both the accounting and whether ACECO followed all proper protocols in the demolition.

3. **Preservation Law Interpretation:** The appeal could seek to re-litigate whether the demolition truly violated preservation statutes — for instance, by disputing that the East Wing qualified for the level of historic protection the court applied, or by arguing that procedural missteps were not fatal.

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### Broader Concerns & Implications

* The case has stirred sharp controversy. Preservation experts and legal scholars warn that Trump’s appeal could set a dangerous precedent: allowing future presidents to bypass historic-preservation checks when altering iconic buildings.

* On the other hand, Trump’s supporters frame his bid for a grand new ballroom (part of his larger East Wing project) as a bold modernization effort, arguing that historic status shouldn’t prevent practical adaptations.

* Beyond the legal battle, there are practical concerns. Some lawmakers and public-health advocates have raised alarms about *asbestos abatement* during the demolition, suggesting that ACECO may not have fully complied with hazardous-material handling requirements. ([The Washington Post][1])

* There’s also financial scrutiny: at least one court ruling reportedly froze Trump’s access to taxpayer funds, after it concluded he personally owes ACECO as a result of the violation. ([USAmidia][2])

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### What’s Next

1. **Appeal Process**: Trump’s legal team will submit a notice of appeal, followed by briefs arguing their case. This could take months, especially if the matter moves up to a higher court.

2. **Reconstruction Timeline**: Even with an appeal, questions remain about how—and when—the East Wing would be rebuilt if the ruling ultimately stands. Restoration of a historic building is no small task, particularly under judicial supervision.

3. **Public and Political Fallout**: The drama is likely to intensify in both legal and political arenas. Preservationists, Congress, and public watchdogs will closely monitor whether the appeal succeeds—and what that means for future changes to national landmarks.