US court blocks Trump’s US$400 million White House ballroom project

A federal appeal court in Washington has blocked the construction of a $400 million ballroom on the grounds of the White House, dealing a significant blow to President Donald Trump's plans. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that presidents are temporary occupants of the White House and require congressional approval to fundamentally alter its structure.

This judgment upheld a preliminary injunction filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which challenged the administration's decision to demolish the East Wing and construct the large ballroom without congressional authorization. The court's ruling places the final decision on the ballroom's construction back in the hands of Congress, stating that it is not an executive power to undertake such a massive project unilaterally.

Trump, who has previously referred to the project as a "military centre" and a security necessity, vowed to appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court. He described the ruling as "horrendous" and politically motivated, asserting that it left the White House and its visitors exposed to potential attacks. The National Trust's president, Brent Leggs, hailed the decision as a victory for the American people's right to voice their opinions about historic sites like the White House.

This legal setback follows Trump's efforts to alter Washington's government buildings and national monuments through various other projects.