Appeals Court Allows Temporary Continuation of White House Ballroom Construction

A federal appeals court has granted President Donald Trump permission to continue construction on a $400 million White House ballroom, at least until the next hearing scheduled for June 5. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued the stay late Friday, temporarily halting an earlier order from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon that had blocked above-ground construction.

Judge Leon had previously ruled to block above-ground work on the 90,000-square-foot addition while permitting underground construction tied to national security. The National Trust for Historic Preservation had sued, claiming the administration bypassed necessary approvals from federal agencies and Congress.

President Trump has defended the project, stating its cost will be covered by private donations, with public funds only paying for security components.

The appeals court's decision allows construction to continue until the next hearing, which is due to take place on June 5.