A U.S. appeals court will hear arguments on the Trump administration's plan to build a $400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing. Preservationists argue the project lacks congressional authorization and will damage a historic site.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will hear arguments regarding President Donald Trump's administration's plan to construct a $400 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the White House's demolished East Wing. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued after the East Wing was torn down in October 2025 without congressional authorization, arguing the project usurps presidential authority and will cause irreparable damage to a significant historic site. The administration contends the project is a national security necessity, citing assassination attempts against Trump. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had previously blocked above-ground construction, stating no federal statute grants the President such authority. The appeals court allowed construction to continue during the legal battle. The ballroom is reportedly scheduled to open around September 2028.
The case addresses the extent of presidential authority in altering historic federal properties and the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding significant construction projects.