Trump’s White House ballroom construction can continue, for now
A federal appeals court is allowing construction of President Trump’s $400 million ballroom at the White House, temporarily extending a lower court order.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled Saturday that construction on the project can continue at least until Friday.
Regarding the makeup of the appeals court, Justices Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia formed the majority opinion, while Justice Neomi Rao – appointed by Trump – dissented. Judges Millett and Garcia were appointed by former Presidents Obama and Biden, respectively.
A lower court’s March 31 ruling barred work from continuing without congressional approval but suspended enforcement for 14 days. The appeals court extended this stay by three days, until April 17, by a vote of 2 to 1.
The lower court’s injunction to halt construction of the ballroom until the White House obtains congressional approval also stayed that injunction to allow for an appeal.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush and who issued the injunction, concluded that “no law comes close to giving the president the authority he claims to have.” He said construction could resume if Congress explicitly approves the project or authorizes funding, emphasizing that lawmakers retain authority over federal property and spending.
The three-judge panel’s ruling also asked the district court to clarify how the earlier decision “will ensure safety and security pending litigation.”
In their order issued Saturday, the justices wrote that “it remains unclear whether and to what extent development of certain aspects of the proposed ballroom is necessary to ensure the safety and security of these underground national security enhancements, or otherwise to ensure the security of the White House and its occupants while the appeal proceeds.”
The Trump administration argued that the injunction left the White House “open and exposed” and created “severe national security harm” to the building, the president, his family and his staff.
Mr. Trump’s $400 million project would replace the demolished East Wing with a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
