On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to stop construction of a $400 million ballroom on the site of the White House's demolished East Wing. The three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in a 2-1 decision that President Donald Trump does not have the unilateral authority to build an 8,400-square-metre ballroom without congressional approval.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation had sued to challenge the project in December 2025, shortly after the East Wing was demolished to make way for the ballroom, which Trump said would accommodate 999 people. The court emphasized that the defendants may not proceed with construction during ongoing litigation without securing authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution and laws.

Trump responded on social media, calling the ruling "unjust" and announced plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court. He also stated that “The Military and Secret Service are viewing this horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful ruling as a National Security threat to our Nation in that the entire Complex is being built for the protection of our Country and, additionally, all future Presidents.”

Government lawyers have argued that the project represents the biggest structural change to the White House in over 70 years and includes critical security features designed to protect against threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards. The appeals court has stayed its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

Sources