Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to continue

President Donald Trump is urging the Supreme Court to permit the completion of a controversial $400 million ballroom project at the White House. The emergency request comes after a federal appeals court ordered a halt to construction, siding with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued the administration last year.

“

dangerous

The administration, represented by Deputy U.S. Attorney General D. John Sauer, argues that the construction halt is "dangerous" and seeks to continue work while appealing the suspension order. The appeals court's decision is set to take effect on August 21, potentially stopping construction unless the Supreme Court intervenes.

Sauer stated that 65% of the project is complete and that halting it now would be "manifestly inequitable, if not impossible." He also warned that forcing the president to seek congressional approval for such a facility could grant the legislature "dangerous leverage."

“

Having in mind that this dangerous order is set to go into effect for the first time on August 21, its provision for the suspension of work is even more manifestly inequitable, if not impossible.

The legal battle began in October when the administration demolished part of the East Wing to start construction without congressional consent. The preservation group contends the project is illegal due to a lack of required environmental and public review. The administration counters that the project includes vital national security facilities, such as bomb shelters and medical centers, and is funded entirely by private donations, thus not requiring congressional approval.

“

granting the legislature dangerous leverage.