US court orders halt to construction of Trump’s ballroom
The US president vows to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court, reiterating that the project is a matter of national security.
On Friday, an appeals court ruled to halt construction of Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court showdown over the extent of presidential authority. Initially, President Trump had claimed the ballroom was necessary for large-scale events like state dinners, but later emphasized its role in national security, including plans for an underground military bunker.
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit initially permitted construction to proceed while reviewing the case, but ultimately agreed that substantial changes to the White House required Congressional approval. The ruling was issued 2-1, with the majority judges appointed by Democratic presidents and the dissenting judge nominated by Trump himself.
Trump responded by vowing to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, accusing the ruling of being "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful." The project, which has already involved significant taxpayer funds, could cost up to $600 million and is part of a series of Trump's initiatives to leave his mark on Washington before his departure in 2029.
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