Federal appeals court blocks White House ballroom work

A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration from building a new ballroom at the White House, ordering construction to stop immediately until Congress approves the project.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled Friday that the administration cannot move forward without congressional authorization. In a 136-page decision, the three-judge panel said the ballroom’s construction should not be decided by executive action alone. The court voted 2-1 to halt the work and stayed its order for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

President Trump responded within hours, calling the decision “horrendous, politically motivated and unlawful” on Truth Social. He claimed the ruling threatens national security and argued that the two judges who sided against him were appointed by Democratic presidents. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued the administration in December, welcomed the ruling. “This is a great day for our country and for the American people’s right to voice their opinions about the historic places they cherish, including the White House,” said Brent Leggs, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.

The dispute began last October when the administration started demolishing the White House’s East Wing to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of seating 1,000 guests. The original cost estimate was $200 million, but reporting from The Washington Post in June suggested the final bill could exceed $600 million. The National Trust sued in December, arguing that only Congress has the legal authority to approve such a project. The administration has not yet explained its legal justification for bypassing Congress, but Trump has repeatedly framed the ballroom as a matter of national security.

The Supreme Court now has the option to take up the case, which would set a precedent on presidential power and congressional oversight in White House construction projects. If the high court declines, the administration would be forced to pause the work or seek congressional approval. Either outcome could shape how future presidents pursue major renovations at the Executive Mansion.