Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project just received a major legal update that could reshape its construction timeline. A federal appeals court weighed in on the contentious battle between the administration and a district judge over whether the ambitious renovation can move forward.
Donald Trump’s ballroom project construction to continue, appeal court says
Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project can resume full construction, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled, BBC reports. The appeals court granted an administrative stay after the Trump administration challenged US District Judge Richard Leon’s decision to halt above-ground work. Construction will now continue until the next hearing, scheduled for 5 June.
Leon ruled on Thursday that the project required congressional approval. He added that reclassifying the ballroom as vital for national security appeared to be a workaround. “National security is not a blank cheque to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity,” he wrote in his decision.
Trump responded on Truth Social, accusing the judge of blocking a secure meeting place for future presidents and world leaders. “It’s all tied together as one big, expensive, and very complex unit, which is vital for National Security and Military Operations of the United States of America!” he wrote. He added that the underground complex would include bomb shelters and medical facilities.
The Justice Department filed its appeal on Thursday, arguing the ruling “would imperil the president and national security and indefinitely leave a large hole beside the Executive Residence.” The judge first halted construction in late March after finding proper procedures were not followed.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the White House over the project last year. The lawsuit alleges construction began without filing plans with the National Capital Planning Commission. It also claims the administration declined to seek authorisation from Congress for the work.
Workers demolished the East Wing, originally constructed in 1902, in October to make way for the ballroom. The new facility will hold 1,350 guests. The White House has said the project will cost $400m, and private donors are funding it entirely.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
