WASHINGTON — Brent Leggs is the president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He spoke at the National Preservation Summit in Washington regarding the new initiative. "It is a response to the urgent and existential threats to historic preservation," Leggs said.

"Our national inheritance hangs in balance today," Brent Leggs said. He said: "It is not an exaggeration to say that this moment is existential. For our field, for the communities we serve, and for generations to come."

The fundraising campaign aims to raise the money over three years. The legal defense fund will support the organization's legal division and government relations staff. He stated that more lawsuits are coming as part of the organization's strategy.

"Together, we will raise an initial $10 million over three years in a moonshot effort to ensure our nation’s civic and cultural heritage remains intact through tangible connections to our shared history," he said.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization charged by Congress with protecting historic sites. It is opposing proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act. The organization states the proposed changes threaten legal protections for historic sites and public land.

President Donald Trump authorized the razing of the White House East Wing to construct a ballroom. He also authorized paving over the White House Rose Garden to create a patio. Additionally, Trump authorized adding a helipad to the White House South Lawn and redecorating the Oval Office with golden accents.

President Donald Trump initiated efforts to rename and renovate the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center was closed to the public on September 16, 2026. Trump also initiated plans to build a triumphal arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. He initiated efforts to refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is part of a lawsuit aiming to halt the administration’s efforts to overhaul the Kennedy Center. This legal action represents one of several challenges the organization has mounted against recent federal projects affecting historic landmarks.

Why It Matters

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation issued a program comment for the U.S. Department of Army. This comment sets forth how the Army may comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act on Army installations for its warfighting readiness activities and associated infrastructure. The council also approved amendments to the Program Comment regarding wireless communications facilities construction and modification. These amendments extend the duration of the Program Comment to September 30, 2030, and add the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Timeline

On August 1, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled against the National Trust for Historic Preservation regarding the ballroom project. On the same day, the Supreme Court majority stated the group likely lacked the legal right to challenge the project. Also on August 1, 2026, the Supreme Court allowed work on the ballroom to continue.

On September 16, 2026, the Kennedy Center was closed to the public. On September 23, 2026, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced a campaign to raise $10 million. On the same day, the National Trust for Historic Preservation launched a legal defense fund.

What's New

In 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's project to replace the East Wing of the White House, which involved the demolition of the existing East Wing and the construction of a new East Wing, including a below-ground military installation and an above-ground ballroom. The Supreme Court stated that the government is likely to prevail in showing that the Trust lacks Article III standing to challenge the East Wing project.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation approved amendments to the Program Comment regarding wireless communications facilities construction and modification, extending the duration of the Program Comment to September 30, 2030, and adding the Department of Veterans Affairs. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 is a legislation intended to preserve historic sites in the United States.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on the details regarding historic preservation. Law.cornell.edu reports that in 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's project to replace the East Wing of the White House, which involved the demolition of the existing East Wing and the construction of a new structure.