Washington — On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court determined that the Trump White House lacks the authority to unilaterally build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom where the East Wing once stood. The court found that the $400 million project requires explicit congressional approval.

The judges emphasized that Congress holds "full constitutional control over federal property and the funding of its maintenance and development," and noted an "absence of any express or implied authorization" permitting President Trump to proceed with the ballroom's construction. They stated, "We are aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for."

President Trump responded swiftly, announcing plans to appeal the ruling directly to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a legal showdown over the controversial project.

Concerns were raised that halting the ballroom's construction could "severely jeopardize the lives and welfare of the people who work, and will be working, at the White House," due to its connection with an underground bunker included in the project. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche argued in court filings that construction should resume, citing the recent attempted attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April as underscoring the need for a secure ballroom on White House grounds.

Arden Farhi, managing editor for CBS News' Washington bureau, who has covered multiple presidential campaigns and administrations, reported on the development.

Sources