Court Blocks Flagship Project Near White House; Trump May Be Furious

An appellate court has ordered the Trump administration to halt construction on a flagship project near the White House, a decision that could anger the former president. The court ruled Friday that the construction of a ballroom requires congressional approval. A panel of judges issued the decision with a 2-1 vote, suspending the order for two weeks to allow the Trump administration to seek intervention from the Supreme Court. Construction on the underground portion of the facility, which the administration stated would serve security purposes and house a renovated bunker with additional bomb shelters and military and medical installations, may continue. The project also includes plans for a drone port on the ballroom's roof to enhance Washington's security. The judges noted that they were unaware of any historical precedent where a president unilaterally demolished significant parts of the White House using privately raised funds without congressional approval. The eastern wing of the White House, a historic residence for the First Lady and her staff, was demolished last year for the ballroom's construction. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit to halt the construction, arguing the project proceeded without proper congressional authorization. The president had previously announced the ballroom would open in September 2028, stating he had raised $400 million from donors and himself for its construction.

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We are not aware of any case in American history where a president unilaterally, and using privately raised funds, demolished significant parts of the White House that Congress had approved and that American taxpayers had paid for. Until now.