SCOTUS greenlights White House ballroom construction

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Trump administration's plan to construct a ballroom on the White House East Wing, despite protests from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The court's majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, stated that the government is likely to prevail in showing that the National Trust lacks Article III standing to challenge the project.

The construction, which began under President Donald Trump, is estimated to cost $400 million and aims to create a "military complex" essential for national security. The National Trust had argued that only Congress has the authority to approve substantial changes to the White House. Roberts joined the court's three liberal justices in dissent, stating that the ruling allows for the infringement of Congress's power and does not uphold the separation of powers.

The court's decision is expected to ensure the completion of the ballroom before any final judgments or appeals are resolved.