Trump asks Supreme Court to let White House ballroom construction continue

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to permit construction to proceed on a $400 million White House ballroom, following a recent ruling by an appeals court. The project, located in the East Wing of the White House, was initially halted due to a lack of congressional approval. However, in a 2-1 decision on August 7, the DC Circuit Court upheld the previous judge's order, directing the administration to cease above-ground construction.

The Trump legal team, represented by Solicitor General D. John Sauer, emphasized the project's national security importance, citing recent assassination attempts and a previous missile threat against Air Force One. The administration also claimed the project is on schedule and within budget, with funding coming from private donations.

However, Democrats argue the project is funded by Trump's tax law, while Congress has not approved additional funding. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, plaintiffs in the case, accused the White House of trying to "outrun the courts" by accelerating construction, citing plans to pour 3,000 cubic yards of concrete within the next week.

They urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's appeal, stating that efforts to evade the rule of law and limit judicial review must stop.