On Friday, August 7, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to stop construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, citing the lack of congressional authorization. The project involves building an 8,400-square-metre ballroom on the site where the White House’s East Wing once stood before its demolition.

The three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a 2-1 decision siding with historic preservationists who had sued to halt the construction. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit in December 2025, shortly after the East Wing was demolished to make way for the ballroom, which Trump claimed would accommodate 999 people.

The court emphasized that the president does not have unilateral authority to make such fundamental changes to the White House without congressional approval. It stayed its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump responded on social media, calling the decision “unjust” and announcing plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. He also stated that the Military and Secret Service view the ruling as a national security threat, arguing the complex is essential for the protection of the country and future presidents.

Government lawyers have defended the project as the largest structural change to the White House in over 70 years, highlighting its critical security features designed to protect against threats including drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.

Sources