US appeals court halts Trump's $400 million ballroom project

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has halted construction on a $400 million proposed ballroom at the White House, ruling in favor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trump administration's plan to enhance the historic complex was dealt a significant blow in a 2-1 ruling. The court upheld a preliminary injunction, which had been obtained by the preservation group, after the administration demolished the White House's East Wing and began building the ballroom without Congress's approval, as reported by Reuters.

The appeals court granted a 14-day stay, allowing the Trump administration time to appeal to the US Supreme Court. This decision comes after US District Judge Richard Leon had blocked above-ground construction twice while permitting underground work to proceed. He ruled that no federal statute grants the President the authority to construct the ballroom without congressional approval.

The Trump administration defended the project, claiming it is necessary for hosting large formal events and improving White House security. The administration contended that the judiciary had no role in reviewing the privately funded initiative, stating that the preservation group's architectural preference should not outweigh national security concerns.

In June, during arguments before the appeals court, a Justice Department lawyer argued that courts should not weigh the project, emphasizing that the former East Wing left the president and others at the White House vulnerable to attacks.

Opposing the administration, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's counsel claimed the issue was not aesthetics but legal procedure, stating that the group simply did not want to go through Congress. President Trump has repeatedly defended the ballroom and its rising costs, which have nearly doubled from initial estimates. In a recent post on Truth Social, he claimed the project's increased price was due to its larger size and higher quality, stating that it would be magnificent, safe, and secure.