Appeals Court Halts White House Ballroom Construction
Judges rule President Trump lacks authority for 90,000-square-foot project without Congressional approval, granting a two-week pause for appeal.
Callum Smith
A divided appellate court panel in Washington, D.C., ruled President Donald Trump lacks the authority to fast-track a new White House ballroom.
The panel's majority upheld a preliminary injunction, previously issued by a federal judge. The court emphasized the absence of historical precedent for a president unilaterally using privately collected funds to alter significant parts of the White House, structures Congress authorized and American taxpayers funded.
The Appeals Court Panel stated, 'Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.' The Trump administration reportedly did not request Congressional authorization for the ballroom project.
President Trump has asserted the new ballroom is needed to 'accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits' and is 'vital for National Security.' He reportedly doubled down on the need for the space after an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April.
A gift to the US people.
Donald Trump has repeatedly touted the project as 'a gift' to the US people. Separately, the East Wing of the White House was reportedly destroyed and replaced by a construction site as part of the project.
The court will pause the ruling from taking effect for two weeks. This allows the administration time to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.