All construction of Trump’s White House ballroom can resume, appeals court says

Appeals Court Lifts Temporary Construction Pause

A U.S. appeals court has permitted the continuation of construction on President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project. The decision allows work on both the underground and above-ground components to proceed, overturning a previous pause ordered by a district judge. This marks the first step toward resuming the development, which had been halted earlier in the month.

Legal Challenge and Next Steps

The ruling follows the Trump administration’s appeal against a judge’s order to temporarily suspend above-ground work. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted a stay, deferring the matter to a scheduled hearing on 5 June. The move comes after the court instructed the judge to reassess the security concerns raised by halting the project in March.

Presidential Argument and Judicial Concerns

President Trump has framed the project as critical for national security, emphasizing its role in hosting large-scale meetings. In a statement, he criticized the judge for obstructing the initiative, claiming it would hinder future leaders’ ability to secure venues. “National security is not a blank cheque,” noted Judge Richard Leon, who initially paused construction, arguing that the administration’s reclassification of the plans as essential seemed like a workaround.

“National security is not a blank cheque to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity,” Leon wrote in his original order.

Project Details and Funding

The ballroom, part of a multi-million-dollar expansion, will feature an underground complex with bomb shelters and medical facilities. The East Wing, built in 1902, was demolished in October to make way for the new space, which can accommodate 1,350 guests. The White House estimates the project will cost $400 million, funded entirely by private donors.

Legal Proceedings and Historical Context

The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the White House, alleging it violated procedures by starting construction without submitting plans to the National Capital Planning Commission and seeking congressional approval. The Justice Department joined the appeal, warning that stopping the work would jeopardize national security and leave a significant gap near the Executive Residence.

“It’s all tied together as one big, expensive, and very complex unit, which is vital for National Security and Military Operations,” Trump stated on Truth Social.

The BBC has sought comments from the White House to further clarify the administration’s stance on the matter.