Court Halts White House Ballroom Construction, Citing Need for Congressional Approval

A federal appeals court has halted the construction of a new ballroom at the White House, ruling that the project must receive congressional approval. Two judges supported the halt, while one dissented. The court stated that no federal law grants the president the authority to build the ballroom without congressional consent.

The plan to demolish the east wing of the White House for the ballroom has drawn criticism since its announcement. Democratic politicians opposed the project from the outset, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the Trump administration shortly after construction began.

The Trump administration contends the ballroom is essential for large formal events and White House security. The plan also includes a six-story underground bunker with medical facilities and a rooftop drone base. Initially estimated at $200 million and funded by private donors, the project's cost has escalated. The administration now claims it will cost around $400 million, but the contractor estimates the final price at $600 million, approximately 5.7 billion kroner.

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no federal law comes close to giving the president the necessary authority to build the ballroom without congressional approval.