Trump administration tells Supreme Court that ballroom construction must go on despite order to stop, citing recent missile threat on Air Force One
The solicitor general called it an "integrated military complex, including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security."
President Donald Trump's administration has requested a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the continuation of $400 million ballroom construction at the White House. The request comes after a lower court's order to halt construction due to a lack of congressional approval. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the project is "vitally required by national security" following a recent threat to Air Force One.
The administration asserts that the ballroom project is on schedule and under budget, with the majority of funding coming from private donations rather than taxpayer money. However, Democrats in Congress claim that Trump's recent tax cuts may be funding the project. The 2-1 decision by a D.C. Circuit panel upheld an order to suspend aboveground construction, siding with historic preservationists.
The administration contends that the president has the authority to renovate the White House without congressional or judicial intervention. Democrats argue that the Trump administration is attempting to "outrun the courts" by accelerating construction and evading judicial review.
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