Trump's White House ballroom project stalled
Appearing to be a major setback in a case testing his presidential authority, Donald Trump has signalled involving US Supreme Court.
The Trump administration has been directed by a federal appeals court to halt construction on a $400 million ballroom being built at the former site of the White House's demolished East Wing. The court ruled that the project is a matter for Congress to decide, emphasizing that each president is merely a temporary occupant of the White House and cannot fundamentally alter its structure without congressional approval.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation had sued the administration last year, contending that the destruction of the East Wing and commencement of the ballroom's construction occurred without obtaining congressional authorization. The appeals court's ruling, a 2-1 decision, temporarily halted above-ground construction but allowed underground work to continue, with the ruling on hold for 14 days for the administration to appeal to the US Supreme Court.
President Trump has argued that the ballroom project is necessary for security purposes, describing it as a "military centre" complete with bomb shelters, medical facilities, and defenses against drones and missiles. The National Trust President, Brent Leggs, welcomed the ruling as a victory for the public's right to express their opinions about historic places like the White House.
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