Federal Appeals Court Says Trump Needs Congressional Approval for White House Ballroom Project
A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling that the president lacks authority to replace part of the White House without Congress, raising the likelihood of Supreme Court review.
A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled Friday that President Trump cannot proceed with construction of a ballroom intended to replace the White House East Wing without explicit congressional authorization. The decision upheld a district court finding that no existing law or presidential power permits the demolition and replacement of White House sections without legislative approval.
President Trump responded by saying he will seek review from the Supreme Court.
Legal analysts noted that the appellate ruling increases the chances that the Supreme Court will ultimately decide the dispute.