On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, a US federal appeals court sided with historic preservationists by upholding a preliminary injunction that halted construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The National Trust for Historic Preservation had sued last year after the Trump administration demolished the historic East Wing and began building the ballroom without congressional authorization.

Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the court's decision a “National Security Threat at the highest level.” He stated, “We are not tenants, who pay rent and do all other things that a tenant must do, we are PRESIDENTS, elected by the people of the United States of America, and have many rights, including the right to fix, renovate, secure, protect, and beautify the White House grounds. This decision, made after much of the work has been done and paid for, is a National Security Threat at the highest level.”

District court judge Richard Leon had previously noted in a March opinion that any incomplete construction poses concerns for the safety and security of the White House grounds and the President, adding that the existence of a “large hole” beside the White House is a problem of the President’s own making.

Separately, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport emphasized the state's duty to uphold civil rights, including humane treatment and adequate medical care for detained individuals. Oregon’s Democratic Governor Tina Kotek expressed support for locally set moratoriums on new data center construction, following Hillsboro’s recent temporary prohibition.

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