A federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration must halt construction of a planned ballroom at the White House. The decision comes after a divided panel of judges found that Congress must approve the project. The project, which has already begun rising above ground, is part of a larger plan that includes a massive triumphal arch and other structures.
The court’s ruling was issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, according to twincities.com. The three-judge panel made a 2-1 decision, with two judges appointed by Democratic presidents and one by Trump himself, according to a report from freemalaysiatoday.com. The judges who supported the halt said that only Congress has the authority to approve such a major change to the White House, NPR reported.
The court also noted that its decision does not mean the ballroom project is doomed. The ruling allows the government to continue underground construction, including bunkers and security features. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which brought the lawsuit, said Friday’s decision affirmed “the American people’s right to voice their opinions about the historic places they cherish,” including the White House.
The group said the ruling confirms that only Congress can authorize a ballroom at the White House. The trust had sued the administration in December after the East Wing was demolished to make way for the ballroom. The Trump administration had argued that the ballroom was necessary for national security and did not need congressional approval.
The project was initially estimated to cost $200 million, but the actual price has since risen significantly. Some reports suggest that taxpayer money may have been used to fund parts of the project, despite Trump’s claims of private financing. The ballroom is part of a broader set of projects that Trump has proposed for the National Capital region.
These include renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and a large arch near the White House. The court’s decision will stay in effect for two weeks, allowing the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump responded by posting a lengthy message on social media, calling the ruling unfair.
He also cited a dissenting opinion from a judge he nominated himself. Trump said the project includes bomb shelters, hospitals, and military facilities for national protection. He claimed that halting the work threatens national security.
The lower court had previously ordered a halt to aboveground construction, but allowed underground work to proceed. The case has drawn attention to the limits of presidential power and the role of Congress in approving major federal projects. Legal experts say the issue could set a precedent for how future presidents approach large-scale federal construction.
The ballroom project has also raised concerns about the historical integrity of the White House grounds. Preservationists argue that the proposed arch could harm nearby historic sites. The National Park Service assessed the impact of the arch and found it could affect dozens of important locations.
Despite these concerns, Trump has continued to promote the ballroom as a necessary upgrade for the presidency. The project’s supporters claim it will provide more space for state dinners and other official events. However, critics say the project is more about Trump’s personal legacy than practical needs.
The legal battle over the ballroom may be just one of several challenges Trump’s projects face in the coming months. Several other initiatives, including the arch and park improvements, are also under legal scrutiny. The next step in the case will likely come from the Supreme Court if Trump files an appeal.
The court’s decision has sparked debate over how much power the executive branch holds in making major federal changes. The ruling may influence future decisions on similar projects involving federal property and historic preservation. As the legal process continues, many are watching closely to see how the Supreme Court will handle this unprecedented case.
IMAGE: The White House Public Domain