- On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) asked the US Supreme Court for a stay on a lower court’s injunction that paused Trump’s building efforts while litigation proceeds.
- The DOJ argued that construction on the ballroom is necessary for security reasons, describing it as a 'totally secure ballroom space' vitally required by national security.
- Trump and his allies argue the ballroom is needed for secure events after failed assassination attempts, and Trump called the decision 'unjust' and said it 'must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety', adding that the ballroom would include bomb shelters, medical facilities, and protection from drones and missiles.
Former President Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift an injunction halting the construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) claims is essential for national security.1
The DOJ stated, “This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex, including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security.”
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit previously ordered that construction be paused unless Congress approves it, setting a deadline of August 21 for the work to stop. However, the injunction was stayed for 14 days to allow the DOJ to appeal.
Trump has argued that the ballroom is necessary to host secure events, citing a series of failed assassination attempts. He stated, “This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety,” emphasizing that the ballroom would feature bomb shelters, medical facilities, and protection from drones and missiles.
Despite Trump's claims that the project would be funded through donations, costs have reportedly increased, raising concerns about taxpayer funding. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit after the Trump administration began work on the ballroom, which spans 90,000 square feet.
“The DOJ argues the injunction is 'extraordinary and unlawful' and halts construction of the integrated military complex at the White House's East Wing. Trump says the ballroom would include bomb shelters, medical facilities, and protection from drones and missiles, calling the decision 'unjust'.”
