Update (Aug 14): Trump’s administration has appealed to the Supreme Court seeking to allow construction of the White House ballroom to resume during the legal proceedings.
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump cannot build his $400 million White House ballroom without congressional approval, blocking above-ground construction and setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown over presidential authority.
The three-judge panel issued a 2-1 decision upholding an earlier order from federal Judge Richard Leon that halted the project. The court delayed implementation of its ruling for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit chartered by Congress, sued to block the project after the administration demolished the historic East Wing in October 2025 to make room for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The majority opinion stated that “whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.”
The appeals court emphasized that the president is “a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House” and that “Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House.” The panel cited federal law requiring express congressional authorization for construction on federal property, specifically 40 U.S.C. § 8106.
Trump has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, calling it “horrendous” and “politically motivated” on social media. He said the military and Secret Service viewed the ruling as a national security threat, arguing the ballroom includes bomb shelters, hospital facilities, and security features needed to protect against drones and ballistic missiles. The administration has also characterized the project as a gift to the American people funded by private donors.
The legal dispute began when Trump unveiled the ballroom plan in July 2025 and subsequently demolished the East Wing, which was built in 1902. Judge Leon first blocked the project on March 31, 2026, ruling that construction must halt pending congressional authorization. The administration appealed, and the court allowed underground work to continue while blocking above-ground construction.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation celebrated the appeals court ruling, with CEO Brent Leggs stating that “the White House, a global landmark that symbolizes American identity and the ideals of democracy, belongs to the American people.” The organization argued there was no basis to disturb the White House and that a ballroom is not a national security emergency.
Trump has said the ballroom would accommodate state visits and grand parties, and has repeatedly described it as vital for national security following an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April. The project would represent the most substantial structural change to the presidential residence in more than 70 years.
The dissenting judge on the appeals panel argued the order was “a blatant abuse of discretion,” echoing Trump’s position that the administration has authority to proceed. However, the majority held that the Constitution and laws require congressional approval before the administration can proceed with the ballroom during ongoing litigation.
Sources
- BBC News — Appeals court ruling details, Trump’s response, National Trust statement, ballroom scope and timeline
- Reuters — Appeals court 2-1 decision, 14-day stay for Supreme Court appeal, congressional approval requirement
- The Hill — Appeals court panel decision and vote count, federal law citation
- NPR — Judge Richard Leon’s March 31, 2026 ruling, congressional authorization requirement
- Military.com — Federal law 40 U.S.C. § 8106 requiring express congressional authority
- The Guardian — Appeals court ruling and 14-day stay implementation
