A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has permitted President Donald Trump to temporarily restart the construction of his proposed White House ballroom, marking a brief win for the administration as it continues with the approximately $400 million project.
This legal battle began when the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit last year to halt the construction. The group asserts that the project breaches several federal laws, specifically citing the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. They argue that the plans constitute an overreach by the administration, lacking the necessary Congressional and federal planning approvals.
A lower court had previously paused the project, leading the government to appeal for a reversal.
In March, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by President George W. Bush, issued a preliminary injunction against the construction, suggesting that the Trump administration likely did not have the authority to proceed without Congressional consent. He pointed out that there was no clear indication of legal authority to replace part of the east wing with a privately funded structure.
While Leon’s ruling halted most work on the ballroom, it allowed certain security-related activities to continue. He also postponed enforcement of the decision until mid-April, giving the administration a chance to push the case to a higher court.
The Trump administration quickly sought intervention from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the ballroom is essential for the safety and security of the president, his family, and White House staff.
In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court did not fully align with the Trump administration but offered temporary relief instead. The judges expressed the need for more clarification from Leon regarding whether stopping the project would jeopardize national security, a claim made by the administration.
The appeals court also stayed Leon’s order until April 17, allowing the Trump administration to seek emergency action from the Supreme Court if desired.
The case is set to return to district court for additional clarification.
Trump first introduced the vision for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom in July, with initial cost estimates around $200 million. He mentioned that the funding would come “100% from me and my friends.”
The administration’s attorneys are contesting the lawsuit based on the premise that the president holds authority over decisions related to building the White House, asserting that Congressional approval is unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the National Trust maintains that the project should not progress without adhering to federal laws and going through the proper review processes.
As of now, the Justice Department has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation or plans regarding any Supreme Court appeals.
