Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Approval for White House Ballroom Project
The Trump administration has approached the U.S. Supreme Court to continue construction on a $400 million ballroom project at the White House, following a lower court’s order to halt the work. The project, which aims to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, has faced legal challenges due to its lack of congressional approval.
On Friday, the administration’s solicitor general petitioned the Supreme Court to override last week’s decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The divided panel ruled that construction should be stopped, citing that Congress had not sanctioned the project. The ruling has been temporarily suspended to allow time for the administration’s appeal.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer emphasized the national security importance of the project, describing the halt as “an extraordinary and unlawful injunction.” The ballroom is part of an integrated military complex proposed for the East Wing of the White House.
Earlier this year, a district court ruling permitted the continuation of underground work, such as bunkers and military installations, while stopping aboveground construction. Historic preservationists have opposed the project, and the D.C. Circuit panel supported their stance, requiring a pause in the ballroom’s construction.
Judge Neomi Rao, a dissenter in the panel’s decision, criticized the ruling, arguing that it prioritized aesthetic concerns over security needs. The administration maintains that the president has the authority to renovate the White House without congressional or judicial interference.
The project, which has been under construction for 10 months and is approximately 65% complete, is part of President Trump’s broader plans to renovate Washington. The administration argues that the National Trust for Historic Preservation lacks the legal standing to challenge the project.
In a previous court hearing, a Justice Department attorney suggested that the government holds extensive control over public facilities, including the White House and national monuments. The ongoing legal battle continues as the Supreme Court considers the administration’s request to proceed with construction.
