The Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the continuation of a $400 million ballroom construction project at the White House. This move follows a decision by a lower court to halt the work. Chief Justice John Roberts has set a deadline of Tuesday for the plaintiffs opposing the project to respond.
A panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently ruled against the construction, emphasizing that Congress has not sanctioned the project. The decision highlighted that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the grounds of the former East Wing.
The lower court allowed a two-week period for the administration to appeal. Solicitor General D. John Sauer is urging the Supreme Court to intervene before the lower court’s ruling becomes effective on August 21.
“The injunction is extraordinary and unjustified, as it halts construction necessary for national security,” asserted Sauer.
Included in the administration’s filing is the revelation of a missile threat against Air Force One. This threat reportedly necessitated covert transportation of President Trump from Turkey. The administration argues the ballroom project remains within budget and funds have primarily come from private donations.
Congressional Democrats allege funding from Trump’s tax cuts may indirectly support the ballroom’s construction. Additional funding has been sought but is yet to be approved by Congress.
A district court had authorized underground work but mandated a halt to aboveground activities. The D.C. Circuit upheld this view, favoring preservationists who assert the project needs Congressional approval. Two judges, appointed by Democratic presidents, supported the majority ruling.
“The construction of a ballroom is a decision for Congress, not executive discretion,” they asserted.
Judge Neomi Rao, the dissenting voice who was appointed by Trump, argued the plaintiffs lacked legal standing.
“Aesthetic concerns of individuals should not outweigh the government’s security needs,” Rao stated.
The Trump administration claims the President possesses unchallenged authority over White House renovations. The current construction status poses security challenges, the Justice Department argues. Additionally, the National Trust for Historic Preservation allegedly lacks standing to contest the project.
The administration plans to rapidly advance construction work, including installing rebar and pouring concrete. Critics accuse the White House of circumventing judicial review by hastening construction.
During a court session in June, a government lawyer argued for presidential control over national landmarks, responding to hypothetical scenarios. The panel upheld a previous decision by Judge Richard Leon with exceptions for security-related construction. The project is approximately 65% complete after 10 months of work.
“The injunction adds unnecessary complexity with no clear benefit,” wrote Sauer.