Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction

The Trump administration is taking its fight to build a new ballroom at the White House to the U.S. Supreme Court, filing an emergency appeal to overturn a lower court's decision that halted construction. The administration argues that the project, like its predecessors, should be decided by the president and the political process, not through judicial orders.

Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit put the construction on hold, stating that congressional authorization is required. The court emphasized that each president is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its executive residence, and that decisions about major additions fall under Congress's purview.

This appeal comes as Trump views the ballroom as a major legacy project. He has described the construction, which involves demolishing the East Wing, as a gift from himself and "great patriots." However, the project has faced opposition from heritage preservation groups, who argue that construction began without proper prior studies and reports.

The administration filed its appeal within the legal 14-day window, potentially reactivating the Supreme Court's emergency case calendar during its summer recess. The outcome could significantly impact the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches regarding renovations and alterations to the presidential residence.

“

La decisión de construir o no un gran salón de baile corresponde al Congreso, y no es asunto de la autotutela del Ejecutivo