Appeals Court Blocks Construction
A federal appeals court has ordered the Trump administration to stop construction on President Donald Trump's $400m (£297m) ballroom at the White House. The decision, issued on Friday, deals the latest setback to the controversial project and tests Trump's presidential authority, paving the way for a Supreme Court showdown on appeal.[S1][S2]
The three-judge panel, in a 2-1 decision, upheld a preliminary injunction won by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust sued after the administration tore down the East Wing last year to begin the project without congressional approval. The panel's majority stated, "Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help."[S1][S2]
Court's Reasoning and Next Steps
The panel emphasized that Congress has not ceded authority to the Executive Branch to redesign the White House to fit a President's desires. It noted that each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, and has no constitutionally assigned authority over the property. The ruling blocks above-ground construction without congressional approval, while allowing underground work to proceed.[S1][S2]
The appeals court delayed implementation of its ruling for 14 days to allow the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court. Construction at the site had previously been ordered to stop but was allowed to continue in April after a court delayed the ruling. The BBC has contacted the White House and Department of Justice for comment.[S1][S2]
Trump's Justification and Panel's Clarification
President Trump has asserted that the new ballroom is needed to "accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits" and is "vital for National Security." He doubled down on the need for the space after an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April.[S1][S2]
The panel clarified that its ruling has nothing to do with whether the ballroom is desirable or whether the administration may ultimately construct it. It stated that the defendants may not proceed during the district court's litigation without securing Congress's authorization, as the Constitution and laws require.[S1][S2]
