On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, a US federal appeals court upheld a preliminary injunction that halted construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The ruling sided with historic preservationists, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who sued to stop the project after the Trump administration tore down the historic East Wing and began building the ballroom without congressional authorization.

President 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 expressed concerns about the incomplete construction work, noting the safety and security risks posed by the “large hole” beside the White House, which he described as a problem of the President’s own making.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation won the injunction after filing suit last year. The group challenged the demolition of the East Wing and the unauthorized construction of the ballroom.

In related comments, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport emphasized the state's duty to uphold civil rights and humane treatment for detained individuals, including those held by private corporations. Meanwhile, Oregon’s Democratic Governor Tina Kotek expressed support for locally set moratoriums on new data center construction, following Hillsboro’s recent temporary prohibition.

The appeals court ruling places a two-week hold on the ballroom project as legal proceedings continue.

Sources