Key facts
- The Supreme Court allowed construction of Donald Trump's White House ballroom project to continue.
- The ruling was a 5-4 decision by the justices.
- The project is a $400 million ballroom intended to enhance security.
- A historic preservation group sued to stop the construction, arguing it lacked congressional approval.
- The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously upheld a lower court's order to halt above-ground construction.
The U.S. Supreme Court has permitted Donald Trump's administration to proceed with construction of a White House ballroom project, temporarily blocking a judicial order that sought to halt significant development. The 5-4 ruling allows above-ground construction to continue while legal challenges proceed.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the $400 million project, which involves building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The group argues that the administration lacks the unilateral authority to undertake such a substantial alteration of the White House without explicit congressional approval.
Justice Department lawyers contended that the ballroom, integrated with an extensive underground complex featuring security enhancements, is a national security necessity. They cited threats against the president and stated the overall East Wing project is 65% complete.
Previously, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit had upheld a district judge's order. This ruling allowed below-ground construction and work deemed strictly necessary for security to continue, but blocked above-ground efforts, stating that national security arguments do not automatically override legal requirements for congressional approval.
Trump has publicly criticized the lower court's decision, calling it "horrendous" and politically motivated, and asserting that it leaves him and others exposed to attack. The National Trust urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's request, emphasizing that multiple courts have agreed the administration lacks the authority to proceed without congressional consent.