A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a lower court order stopping construction of President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom, ruling that the large-scale project requires explicit approval from Congress.
In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed that the overhaul of the White House complex cannot proceed without legislative authorization. The court temporarily stayed its ruling for two weeks to give the Trump administration time to seek emergency intervention from the Supreme Court.
Trump sharply criticized the decision, calling it “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful” in statements on Truth Social. He vowed to appeal immediately, describing the halt as a “National Security Threat at the highest level” and a “National Disgrace,” particularly given that substantial work and funding have already been committed.
The two judges in the majority were appointed by Democratic presidents; the dissenting judge was nominated by Trump. The majority emphasized that its ruling addressed only the legal requirement for congressional consent, not the merits of the ballroom itself. “This holding has nothing at all to do with whether the proposed ballroom is desirable, or not, as a matter of policy,” the opinion stated. “What it does mean is that the Defendants may not do so during the district court’s expeditious litigation without securing Congress’s authorization, as the Constitution and laws require.”
Trump ordered the ballroom construction to expand space for state dinners and other large events, arguing the current White House facilities are inadequate. Officials have also highlighted concurrent plans for an underground military bunker and additional security features.
Work began last year with the demolition of the historic East Wing. Photos have shown progress on a basement complex, with some concrete structures rising above ground. Under the earlier district court order, limited underground work was permitted to continue.
Cost estimates have risen sharply. The White House initially cited a $200 million price tag, later doubling it to $400 million. Reports indicate the project could reach $600 million. While Trump has maintained the ballroom would be privately funded, media investigations have pointed to significant use of taxpayer dollars.
The ballroom is one of several Trump initiatives aimed at reshaping parts of Washington, D.C., before the end of his term in 2029. Others include renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and plans for a large commemorative arch. Several of these projects have faced legal challenges, but the ballroom case is the first positioned to reach the Supreme Court.
The appeals court’s decision keeps the dispute alive and sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle over the scope of presidential authority to alter the White House complex without congressional approval.
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