On Friday, August 7th, 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ordered the Trump administration to halt all construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The 2-1 decision sided with historic preservationists who sued to stop the project, which has already begun rising aboveground on the east side of the White House where the historic East Wing once stood before its demolition last fall.

The court agreed with a lower court ruling that such a significant overhaul of the White House requires explicit congressional approval. The ruling stated, “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.” It further clarified that the defendants may not proceed with construction during ongoing litigation without securing Congress’s authorization as mandated by the Constitution and laws.

The court will stay its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the US Supreme Court. US President Donald Trump criticized the decision as "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful" and vowed to appeal.

Several other Trump construction projects, including a proposed 76-metre-tall triumphal arch, have faced legal challenges, but this ballroom project is the first to reach the Supreme Court.

Sources