On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to halt construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The project involves building an 8,400-square-metre ballroom on the site where the White House’s East Wing once stood before it was demolished.

The three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in a 2-1 decision siding with historic preservationists who had sued to stop the construction. The court stated that President Donald Trump does not have the unilateral authority to make such a fundamental alteration to the White House without congressional authorization, as required by the Constitution and laws.

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 said would accommodate 999 people.

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

Trump responded on social media, calling the ruling “unjust” and announced plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court. He also stated that the Military and Secret Service view the court’s decision as a national security threat, given the complex’s intended role in protecting the country and future presidents.

The appeals court has stayed its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Sources