On Friday, August 7th, 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ordered the Trump administration to halt all construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House until it receives congressional approval. The court reversed its earlier decision that had allowed construction to continue during the case review, siding in a 2-1 ruling with historic preservationists who sued to stop the project.

The 8,400-square-metre ballroom is being built on the site of the White House’s historic East Wing, which was demolished last fall by order of President Donald Trump. The court emphasized that "whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help." It clarified that this ruling does not address the desirability of the ballroom but enforces constitutional requirements for congressional authorization during ongoing litigation.

The court will stay its ruling for two weeks to allow the administration time to appeal to the US Supreme Court. President Trump condemned the ruling as "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful" and pledged to appeal. While several of Trump's construction projects have faced legal challenges, this ballroom case is the first to potentially reach the Supreme Court.

Sources

Euronews