Trump asks Supreme Court to let White House resume ballroom construction during appeal

The Trump administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to permit the continuation of construction on the White House ballroom despite a recent injunction. District court proceedings have halted substantial development of the East Wing and ballroom while legal proceedings unfold. The injunction is to take effect on August 21 unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Solicitor General John Sauer deemed the injunction "extraordinary and unlawful," claiming it would endanger the president's and his family's safety, and override the judgment of top military, intelligence, and law enforcement officials. The administration argues that the injunction unfairly grants a single judge authority over the necessary construction to safeguard the president, his staff, visitors, and foreign dignitaries.

The district court found that Trump lacks congressional approval to alter the White House without approval. A divided federal appeals court endorsed the ruling earlier this month. Sauer suggested that postponing construction would directly jeopardize the president's life, citing six assassination attempts and a threat against Air Force One on July 8.

The government asserts the project is on time, under budget, and does not require taxpayer funds, citing 65% completion, $200 million spent, and a 250-person crew working 24/7. The structure is 5 stories deep and spans 50,000 square feet. The administration's filing includes declarations from senior officials, including the secretary of state, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, FBI director, and Secret Service chief, emphasizing national security justifications for the ballroom.