- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled 2-1 in favor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which challenged Trump's authority to demolish the historic East Wing of the White House.
- The appeals court held that whether the ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide, not a matter of Executive self-help, and that construction may not proceed during litigation without Congress's authorization.
- The Supreme Court's ruling also upheld an order allowing underground construction on the site's underground bunker and other national security functions to continue.
- The Supreme Court said it would stay its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal.
- Trump lambasted the ruling as a “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful ruling” that threatened national security.
- Trump called the historic preservationists “TREASONISTS” and accused them of revealing military secrets.
- The administration argued the project is too far along to halt, revealing 250 workers working 20-hour days and construction 60 percent complete; recent reports put total costs of White House projects at $900 million.
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling allows President Trump's controversial $400 million ballroom project to proceed, despite a lower court's decision that halted construction due to concerns over historic preservation.
Chief Justice issued a stay, giving the administration time to appeal.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, stating that the decision to construct a massive ballroom should be made by Congress, not the Executive branch.
Trump criticized the ruling as 'horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful,' claiming it jeopardizes national security.
The justices' decision allows underground construction related to national security to continue, while the ballroom project is reportedly 60% complete with 250 workers working 20-hour days.
The administration argues that halting the project now would be impractical, as costs for Trump's recent White House renovations, including the ballroom and a new helipad, have reached at least $900 million.
“The appeals court had ruled 2-1 that Congress must authorize the ballroom, not Executive self-help. The administration revealed 250 workers on 20-hour days with construction 60% complete, while total White House projects cost at least $900 million.”
New York Magazine
