YEAR NHPA ENACTED1966National Historic Preservation Act signed into law
FEDERAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS2,600+National Historic Landmarks protected under NHPA
PRIOR BLANKET EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED0no prior administration claimed categorical White House NHPA immunity
SECTION 106 TRIGGERAnyfederal undertaking affecting a listed or eligible historic property
Year NHPA enacted1966National Historic Preservation Act
National Historic Landmarks in the US2,600+National Park Service
Section 106 trigger thresholdAny federal undertaking36 CFR Part 800
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation statutory authorityCongressionally created — independent federal agencyNHPA Section 202
STATUTE
DESIGNATION
REGULATION
LITIGATION
JUDICIAL
STATUTE
1966
NHPA Enacted
Congress passes the National Historic Preservation Act, establishing Section 106 review and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). Requires federal agencies to consult with ACHP before undertaking actions that may affect historic properties.
DESIGNATION
1960
White House Listed as NHL
The White House is formally designated a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960, placing it in the highest tier of federal historic protection. NHL status triggers heightened Section 106 scrutiny under 36 CFR Part 800.
REGULATION
2000
36 CFR Part 800 Revised
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation updates its Section 106 regulations, clarifying agency consultation requirements and public participation rules for any federal undertaking affecting historic properties.
LITIGATION
2026-08-06
Reflecting Pool Litigation Filed
Legal challenge filed over Trump administration's handling of National Mall infrastructure, alleging failure to complete required Section 106 review before destructive work began. First major preservation litigation of this administration.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
LITIGATION
2026-08-08
White House Exemption Claim Filed
Trump administration files emergency request arguing the White House is categorically exempt from NHPA Section 106 review, arising from dispute over painting over an Eisenhower-era exterior feature. No prior administration has made this legal claim.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
JUDICIAL
2026-08-08
Federal Judge Weighing Emergency Request
A federal judge is actively considering the administration's emergency exemption claim. A ruling in the administration's favor could set precedent allowing the president to self-exempt any renovation of federal historic properties from statutory review.