Washington — On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump White House did not have the authority to unilaterally demolish and rebuild the East Wing of the White House to construct a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The $400 million project was found to require approval from Congress.

In a 2-1 decision, the appellate panel in Washington, D.C., sided with a lower court's ruling that the White House "very likely" lacked the authority to proceed without congressional consent. The judges emphasized that Congress holds "full constitutional control over federal property and the funding of its maintenance and development," and noted an "absence of any express or implied authorization" granting President Trump the ability to undertake the construction.

The court stated, "We are aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche argued in court filings for the resumption of construction, citing security concerns highlighted by a recent attempted attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April. The National Park Service has indicated that construction could be completed by mid-2028.

Arden Farhi, managing editor for CBS News' Washington bureau, who has covered multiple presidential campaigns and administrations, reported on the ruling and its implications.

This decision focuses strictly on the legal authority to build the ballroom and does not address whether the project is desirable as a matter of policy.

Sources