Federal Court Halts White House Ballroom Construction

A federal appeals court has ordered a halt to the construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, citing the need for congressional approval. President Donald Trump sought to build the 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site where the East Wing once stood, a move challenged by historic preservationists.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, ruled against unilateral action by the Executive Branch for such a major construction project. The court emphasized that it is Congress’s responsibility to decide on this matter.

The decision follows U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s order to cease above-ground construction while allowing below-ground work on bunkers and national security facilities to continue. Trump’s criticisms of Judge Leon on social media included claims of hindering national security efforts.

The case involves judges Patricia Millett, Neomi Rao, and Bradley Garcia. Judges Millett and Garcia, appointed by Democratic presidents, supported the ruling, while Judge Rao, appointed by Trump, dissented. The ballroom construction was initially approved by the National Capital Planning Commission.

Government attorneys argued that the project included vital security elements to protect against various threats. However, attorneys for the preservation group countered that the absence of a ballroom does not pose a national security emergency.

Judge Leon reiterated that while national security concerns should be considered, the entire ballroom project doesn’t fit within the safety-and-security exception without congressional authorization.