Court Halts Trump’s White House Ballroom Project, Citing Congressional Authority

A U.S. appeals court temporarily blocked the above-ground construction of Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project, ruling that Congress controls funding for modifications on the grounds.

Court Decision on the Ballroom Project

The decision to halt construction of the above-ground portion of the ballroom was reached on Friday, August 7, by a 2-1 vote. Work on the underground section of the facility, which the administration states is intended for security, may continue. Media reports indicate that the area houses a renovated bunker slated to contain additional bomb shelters along with military and medical installations. Trump wants a drone port built on the ballroom roof to help secure Washington.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Congress exercises control over the funding of construction work on White House grounds and emphasized that Trump’s project was not approved on Capitol Hill. The court simultaneously suspended its ruling for two weeks to allow the Trump administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court.

Judicial Remarks and Historical Precedent

We know of no case in American history in which a president unilaterally—and using privately raised funds—demolished significant parts of the White House whose construction was approved by Congress and paid for by American taxpayers. Until now, the judges wrote.

Lawsuit by Preservation Association and Project Funding

Last year, the East Wing of the White House, which served as the historic office of the first lady and her staff, was demolished to make way for the ballroom. In the spring, a judge ordered a halt to the above-ground construction, but that ruling was suspended until the appeal was reviewed. The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which demands a halt to construction, arguing that the project proceeded despite a lack of proper approvals and congressional authorization.

In May, Trump announced that the ballroom would open in September 2028. The president asserts that he has raised $400 million for construction from donors and his own funds.