Construction of President Donald Trump’s $400 million ballroom for the White House can move forward for now, following a federal appeals court’s directive for a district judge to re-evaluate the situation.
A panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit announced on Saturday that work may continue until April 17. This extension gives the president time to request a review from the Supreme Court, as the Trump administration claims that delays could compromise safety at the construction site for the president and his staff.
The committee instructed U.S. District Judge Richard Leon to assess how his previous injunction may interfere with the administration’s safety and security claims.
Government lawyers argued that the project includes essential security measures to protect against potential threats, such as drones and biohazards; any delay, they contend, could endanger those working in the White House.
Democrats have accused the administration of “blatant bribery” regarding fundraising for the banquet hall.
President Trump has also stated that the military has established “heavily fortified” facilities underneath the planned banquet area, which include medical and air raid shelters.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation initiated a lawsuit last December, following the demolition of the East Wing, where the banquet hall is set to be built. The group argues that the president overstepped his authority, indicating that he should have sought Congressional approval before demolishing historic structures.
Trump maintains that historical precedents allow presidents to remodel the White House, noting that Congress does not need to fund privately financed projects.
A lower court had previously issued an injunction on March 31 to block construction but subsequently allowed for an appeal, citing national security concerns.
The White House stressed that the injunction left it “open and vulnerable” and could compromise the safety of the president and his family.
The NTHP’s CEO mentioned that they await further clarification from the district court, emphasizing the need for proper stewardship of the White House’s historical significance.
Judge Leon allowed some construction work to ensure the White House’s safety, but he indicated that stopping the project wouldn’t significantly threaten national security.
The appeals panel conveyed uncertainty over whether ongoing construction of the banquet hall is essential for the safety improvements the White House claims are tied to the overall project. They pointed out the private funding aspect of Trump’s initiative while public funds finance the bunker and enhanced security.
The three-judge panel, which included appointees from past administrations, noted that halting construction would exacerbate security vulnerabilities at the White House, a concern emphasized by Judge Rao in his dissent.
