On Friday, August 7th, 2026, a federal appeals court ordered the Trump administration to halt construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House. The project, planned on the site of the demolished East Wing, was challenged by historic preservationists who argued the president lacks unilateral authority to make such structural changes without Congress.

In a 2-1 decision, a three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which had sued in December 2025 shortly after the East Wing's demolition. The court stated that the defendants cannot proceed with construction during ongoing litigation without congressional authorization, as required by the Constitution and laws.

President Donald Trump responded on social media, calling the ruling "unjust" and announced plans to appeal to the US Supreme Court. He also described the decision as a national security threat, citing views from the Military and Secret Service that the complex is vital for protecting the country and future presidents.

Government lawyers have defended the project as the largest structural change to the White House in over 70 years, emphasizing its critical security features designed to counter threats such as drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.

The court has stayed its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Sources