Trump administration seeks Supreme Court stay on White House ballroom injunction
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The Justice Department filed an urgent petition asking the Supreme Court to pause a lower-court order that bars most above-ground work on a new White House ballroom, citing national-security concerns.
The Justice Department filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court on Wednesday, requesting a stay of a court order that will halt most above-ground construction of a new White House ballroom three days later. The filing argues that the unfinished structure, described as a "military complex," poses an "unacceptable risk" to the president’s security.
"Every day the President does not have access to the vital security features of the military complex presents unacceptable risk, no matter how long the Project takes to complete," Solicitor General John Sauer wrote.
Sauer contended that the concrete-and-steel superstructure is "beyond the point of no return" and that completing it is essential for a "safe room" to ensure continuity of government. He also warned that requiring congressional approval would give Congress "dangerous leverage" over the president in future structural emergencies.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which brought the lawsuit, responded that the administration’s language is exaggerated and that the injunction only blocks construction of the ballroom without prior congressional consent, not work on the bunker or safety measures.
Federal law grants Congress authority over federal property, including the White House grounds, while also permitting presidents to manage the care and improvement of the Executive Residence. President Trump initiated demolition of the East Wing in late 2025 to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
The government told the court the project is 65% complete, with a 250-person crew working around the clock. The appellate court upheld the injunction in a 2-1 decision, and the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the stay request by the end of the week.