An appeals court has halted the construction of former President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom. This development comes as political tensions rise around the nomination of Todd Blanche to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Following Senator Lisa Murkowski’s announcement that she plans to vote against Blanche’s confirmation, the acting attorney general faces challenges securing the permanent position. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and former physician, is currently the only other GOP holdout. Cassidy expressed concerns this week about Blanche’s ability to lead the DOJ independently, citing Blanche’s previous role as Donald Trump’s personal lawyer.

The construction halt and the contentious DOJ nomination highlight ongoing political struggles within the Republican party and the broader U.S. government.

Sources