Appeals court halts Trump's $400 million White House ballroom construction
The court upheld a temporary injunction and paused its order for 14 days to allow an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A federal appeals court in Washington ordered a halt to work on the roughly $400 million ceremonial ballroom being built on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House, confirming a temporary injunction secured by the nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The suit was filed after the administration tore down the East Wing and began construction without Congressional approval. The appeals court stayed the implementation of its order for 14 days to give the administration time to seek review by the United States Supreme Court.
The contested ballroom covers about 8,360 square meters and represents the most lavish element of President Donald Trump's remodeling of federal buildings and memorials in Washington. A federal district judge, Richard Leon—appointed by former Republican president George W. Bush—had twice previously blocked construction, finding that no federal statute authorizes the president to carry out such a project without Congress's consent.
Legal ruling and next steps
The administration says the new hall is necessary for hosting large official receptions and for protecting the White House, arguing that the demolished East Wing had left the president and other officials exposed to the risk of attacks. The nonprofit had argued the demolition and subsequent work violated preservation laws and exceeded presidential authority.
President Trump reacted on his platform, Truth Social, sharply criticizing the court's decision and promising an appeal to the Supreme Court, saying the unjust ruling must be fully overturned. He described the hall as "desperately needed," "fully secure," and said it is being built "ahead of schedule and within budget." Trump also accused the court that refuses to recognize the hall as "a gift from President Trump and the great patriots of the United States," reiterating that the construction "will not cost American taxpayers a single cent" because it is financed by private donations.
Photo: whitehouse.gov
