A federal appeals court has ordered the halt of the $400 million White House ballroom construction project, stating that the administration did not have approval from Congress for the undertaking. This ruling comes after the National Trust for Historic Preservation challenged the project and sought an injunction last year. A three-judge panel upheld the injunction in a 2-to-1 decision on Saturday, August 8th, 2026.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The case highlights ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding the planned expansion of the White House.

Sources

Reported by Camille Corcoran for France 24 English.