A federal judge ruled Tuesday that preliminary paint tests on the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, a historic landmark adjacent to the White House, can proceed, advancing President Donald Trump's plan to repaint the structure.
U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich stated that the plaintiffs, primarily cultural preservationist groups, had not demonstrated that the minimal tests would cause irreparable harm. The plaintiffs had sought a temporary injunction to halt the testing and preparatory work.
The proposal to repaint the massive building, which planners estimate would cost at least $7.5 million, has raised concerns among preservationists, architects, and historians. Critics argue that granite is not intended to be painted and that paint could trap moisture, potentially degrading the stone.
At the core of the legal dispute is whether the General Services Administration (GSA) has the authority to delegate the project to the Executive Office. Judge Friedrich acknowledged that while she is allowing the tests to move forward, she would intervene if the administration attempts to go beyond the scope of the limited testing.
The test areas are expected to cover approximately 8 square feet of the building's exterior, including several panels not visible to the public. The court has ordered the parties to submit a status report by the following Tuesday and to provide regular updates thereafter.
Gregory Werkheiser, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment but emphasized that the larger arguments against the project remain unaddressed. He stated that the central issue is whether the president has improperly assumed authority from the GSA, a decision that could have significant implications for historic properties nationwide.