On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to halt construction of a $400 million ballroom planned on the site of the White House's demolished East Wing. The court emphasized that a president cannot fundamentally reshape the White House without obtaining approval from Congress.

This ruling directly impacts the ongoing project intended to expand the White House facilities, underscoring the legal limits on executive power regarding modifications to the historic presidential residence.

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