President Donald Trump's administration has made an emergency request to the Supreme Court to permit the continuation of construction on a $400 million ballroom project at the White House. This appeal follows repeated lower court decisions, including a recent ruling by a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which mandated a halt to the project due to a lack of congressional authorization. The appeals court had paused its own ruling for two weeks to enable Trump to appeal to the highest court.
Trump's solicitor general, John Sauer, filed the petition, arguing that a ballroom is essential for large events and enhanced security at the White House. The administration has also cited national security needs and architectural values, with new renderings showing stylistic changes to the ballroom, including presidential seals. Critics, like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued the administration, contend that Trump is attempting to bypass judicial review and Congressional authority.
The administration claims the project, which involves demolishing the White House's East Wing to make way for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, is 65% complete. They argue that the ongoing construction is a 'military complex' and provides vital security features, including a 'safe room' for the presidency. The Supreme Court has been asked to issue a stay to prevent the injunction from taking effect, with a deadline for responses from plaintiffs set by Chief Justice John Roberts. The justices are expected to make a decision by the end of the week, as the injunction halting above-ground construction is set to take effect.
