The Trump administration has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to allow continued construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The appeal follows a lower court ruling that halted the project due to lack of Congressional approval.
The solicitor general petitioned to suspend the decision made by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Chief Justice John Roberts set a deadline for a response from the plaintiffs who oppose the ballroom project.
The appeals court panel ruled that President Trump cannot proceed with construction without Congressional authorization. The panel held Trump lacks unilateral power to build the 90,000-square-foot ballroom in place of the demolished East Wing.
The lower court allowed a two-week period for the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court. Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked for a ruling on the petition before the decision becomes effective on August 21.
The case involves an unlawful injunction halting construction of a secure ballroom space in the White House’s East Wing, deemed crucial for national security, as stated by Sauer.
The administration’s filing revealed that a missile threat led to Trump’s secret evacuation from Turkey last month. This incident underscored the need for a secure space within the White House.
The filing asserts the project is proceeding on time and under budget, funded by approximately $400 million in private donations, negating the use of taxpayer money. However, Congressional Democrats suggest funds from Trump’s tax cuts may be utilized for the project. Additional Congressional funding has been requested but not approved.
A district court judge previously ordered a halt to aboveground work on the ballroom, permitting underground construction, including bunkers and medical facilities. The appeals court upheld this decision in favor of historic preservationists opposed to the project. The majority ruled that such construction requires Congressional approval.
A dissenting judge argued the preservationist group lacked legal standing to sue. Judge Neomi Rao criticized the district court for prioritizing aesthetic concerns over government security needs.
The Trump administration claims that the president has authority over White House renovations, challenging the legal standing of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The solicitor general argued that the ballroom construction should be guided by the president and political processes, not court injunctions.
The trust accused the administration of rushing construction to evade court rulings, highlighting plans to install significant concrete and rebar soon.
During a court hearing, a Justice Department lawyer defended presidential control over public facilities, asserting that significant icons could be altered without legal challenges from impacted communities.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon has ruled that pausing the project does not compromise national security, while exempting necessary safety-related construction.
The project has been under construction for ten months and is reportedly 65% complete. The administration warns that the injunction could create chaos without benefit.
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