A federal appeals court has blocked Donald Trump from constructing a $400 million ballroom at the White House without approval from Congress. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 to uphold an injunction against the project, which aims to build an 8,300-square-meter facility on the site of the demolished East Wing.
The legal action was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In its ruling, the court stated that the government lacks unlimited authority to redesign the White House, describing the complex as the People's House rather than a facility to satisfy the personal desires of a president.
The administration designed the ballroom to host large official events, state dinners, and ceremonies, arguing the addition addresses practical and security needs. However, the decision halts all above-ground construction, although it allows certain underground work to continue.
Demolition and legal appeals
Federal Judge Richard Leon, who was appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush, had previously blocked above-ground work twice. Judge Leon ruled that no federal law gives a president independent authority to construct such a massive addition without Congressional approval.
The ruling comes after crews already demolished the historic East Wing, leaving a construction site with foundations, cranes, and heavy machinery. Justice Department lawyers argued in a previous hearing that the work was too far along to stop and that courts should not evaluate the project. The administration also claimed halting construction poses national security risks because the complex remains open and exposed.
The appeals court stayed its ruling for 14 days. This gives the Trump administration time to decide whether to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
