Supreme Court allows Trump's White House ballroom project to proceed for now

The United States Supreme Court has granted a temporary reprieve for President Donald Trump's controversial $400 million White House ballroom project. Chief Justice John Roberts issued an order allowing construction to continue while the court reviews an emergency appeal from the Trump administration. This move temporarily halts a judicial order that would have stopped much of the development.

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The United States Supreme Court will allow President Donald Trump to continue his $400m White House ballroom project for now, temporarily pausing a judicial order that would halt much of the development.

Lower courts had previously ruled that the project requires congressional approval, a decision set to take effect on Friday. Roberts' order, however, allows work to proceed for now. The case highlights Trump's broader efforts to expand presidential power and reshape the capital. The Trump administration has seen several successes on the court's emergency docket, though not all of the president's signature policies have survived full review.

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Lower courts had ordered a halt to the $400m project, finding that it must have congressional approval.

Trump's ambition for a White House ballroom predates his presidency, reportedly dating back to 2010. Since beginning his second term, he has pursued construction and renovation projects more aggressively. His administration asserts the president's absolute authority to renovate the White House. In October, the century-old East Wing was demolished for the ballroom without public notice. While the administration cited national security concerns for the ballroom's completion, initial plans emphasized the need for space for state dinners and events. The new structure is expected to be significantly larger than the main White House building.

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The case comes before the nation’s highest court as Trump, a Republican, seeks to expand presidential power and mould the capital in his own image.

Critics have questioned the funding, with Trump touting private donations while the administration has also sought taxpayer funds. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December, arguing Trump lacks unilateral authority for the work and accusing the White House of accelerating construction to bypass legal challenges.

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His administration has argued that the president has total authority to renovate the White House and other federal buildings as he sees fit.