On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a US federal appeals court ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to stop construction on a $400 million ballroom at the site of the White House’s demolished East Wing. The Washington-based US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, in a divided 2-1 decision, upheld a preliminary injunction obtained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The group had sued after the administration began building the 90,000 square feet (8,360 square meters) ballroom without congressional authorization.

The court majority stated, “Whether a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help. Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House – the People’s House – to fit a particular President’s desires.”

This ruling represents a significant setback for Trump in a case testing presidential authority. The appeal court has stayed its ruling for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

Previously, US District Judge Richard Leon had twice blocked above-ground construction while allowing underground work to continue. The administration has described the ballroom as necessary for large formal functions and to preserve White House safety. This project is among several Trump initiatives to reshape Washington’s government buildings and monuments.

The White House and Justice Department did not immediately comment on the ruling.

Sources

South China Morning Post World