An appeals court has halted the construction of former President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom. This development comes as the acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, faces challenges securing a permanent position as head of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Following Senator Lisa Murkowski’s announcement that she plans to vote against Blanche’s nomination, the acting attorney general cannot afford another defection. Currently, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican lawmaker from Louisiana and former physician, remains the only other 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 halted construction and the nomination uncertainties highlight ongoing tensions within the GOP and the broader political landscape in the United States.

Sources