Trump Fights Ballroom Block, Calls White House Project ‘Military Complex’
President Donald Trump has vowed to appeal to the US Supreme Court after a federal appeals court blocked above-ground construction of his proposed $400 million White House ballroom, ruling that congressional approval is required.
The 2–1 decision by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s claim that the President could proceed with the project without congressional authorization.
The court said the White House is public property maintained for current and future presidents and the American people.
Trump pushed back against the ruling, rejecting the court’s description of presidents as “temporary tenant[s]” of the White House. He argued that presidents have the authority to renovate, secure and improve the complex.
He also described the proposed development as a “SECURE Ballroom/Military Complex” featuring a rooftop “DronePort,” while arguing that the project has important national-security components.
The court’s order does not stop all work at the site. Underground construction involving security facilities, including bunkers and medical infrastructure, may continue, but construction of the ballroom itself remains blocked.
The proposed ballroom is about 90,000 square feet, and Trump’s administration has said it would cost about $400 million. The appeals court has paused its ruling for 14 days to allow the administration to seek Supreme Court review.
Credit: Salon
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