USA: Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction can continue for now

Construction of a ballroom desired by former U.S. President Donald Trump on the White House grounds can proceed for now, following a temporary stay issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts put a halt to a lower court's construction stop order, effective until the court makes a final decision on the matter.

The project, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, had been halted by an appeals court. That court ruled Trump could not build the ballroom unilaterally and required him to obtain approval from the U.S. Congress. Preservationists had taken the U.S. government to court to block Trump's "prestige project," citing concerns over its cost, the bidding process, and its potential impact on the historical ensemble of the White House.

Critics emphasize that the Supreme Court's current decision is only provisional. Trump and his team have argued for a considerable time that the ballroom is essential for national security. They contend it will create a venue with enhanced security standards to protect the president during events and improve overall security on the White House grounds, including provisions for safe rooms, medical facilities, and additional defenses against drones and missiles.