Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Continue Ballroom Work
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court for help. It wants construction on the $400 million White House ballroom to continue.
A lower court had ordered the work stopped. An appeals court ruled the project lacked approval from Congress.
The order has not taken effect and construction continues during the appeal. The appeals court gave the administration until August 21 2026.
That deadline was to ask the Supreme Court for action. The Supreme Court request seeks to block the stop-work order.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the project. So did the Committee of 100 on the Federal City.
The administration calls the ballroom part of a military complex. It says construction is vital for national security.
Stopping the work would leave Trump "much less safe" the administration said. It also said forcing the president to ask Congress would be "dangerous".
Trump ordered the White House East Wing torn down in October 2025. This was done to make way for the planned ballroom.
Key Terms 3
- National Trust for Historic Preservation A group that works to protect historic buildings and sites.
- Committee of 100 on the Federal City A group focused on protecting Washington DC's historic design.
- stop-work order A court order that stops construction until a legal issue is settled.