A U.S. federal appeals court has ruled that the White House can temporarily continue construction of a ballroom initiated by President Donald Trump.
This is reported by The Washington Post.
In a decision released Saturday, April 11, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia District ruled 2-1 that U.S. District Judge Richard Leon must clarify a number of national security issues that could affect ongoing construction.
The panel also said the White House could continue operations until April 17, giving the administration three additional days before Leon's suspension takes effect.
It is noted that Judge Leon ruled last month that Trump's ballroom project could not proceed until the president received congressional approval, but allowed the work to be carried out to ensure “the safety and security of the White House.”
Trump, for his part, claimed that this decision gives him reason to continue construction, as the project involves installing bulletproof glass, a bomb shelter, and other security measures.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed a lawsuit last year to stop the ballroom’s construction, has challenged Trump’s interpretation of Leon’s decision and asked him to clarify the scope of the ban. Leon has yet to do so.
On Saturday, the appeals panel said it had its own questions, noting that Leon's order to halt construction was issued after Trump demolished the East Wing of the White House and began construction of a new structure in its place.
In a statement, the National Endowment said it remains committed to its mission of “honoring the historic significance of the White House.” The organization has faced constant criticism from Trump since filing the lawsuit last year.
In turn, the White House welcomed the panel's decision and “looks forward to a full and final vindication,” the statement said.
On March 31, Federal Judge Richard Leon blocked any further construction on a new $400 million ballroom on the site of the former East Wing of the White House. The court ruled that US President Donald Trump did not receive the necessary congressional authorization for the project.
What is known about the Trump Ballroom?
The White House announced plans to build a new ballroom in July 2025. Trump said the project would be funded entirely by him and donors. The new ballroom would be located on the site of the current East Wing, which was built in 1902 and has been remodeled several times. McCrery Architects, known for its classical design, was chosen as the lead architect. According to renderings, the ballroom would feature gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and marble floors.
The White House said the construction plan would be evaluated by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) before construction could begin.
The project has drawn criticism from environmental groups and Trump's political opponents, who have raised questions about his oversight.
On October 24, CNN reported that the East Wing of the White House had been completely demolished. Construction began on a new ballroom on the site of the building that traditionally housed the First Lady's office.
On December 4, Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill that would require NCPC approval before demolishing a historic federal building.
On December 5, it was announced that Trump had hired a new architect to oversee the construction of a huge ballroom in the White House.
The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for a $300 million ballroom that Trump said was being funded by private donors. The White House called the project a “much-needed and elegant addition.”
Since the initiative was announced, the proposed plan has expanded from a ballroom with a capacity of 500 people to a space that can accommodate 1,350 guests.
The project’s architect, James McCrary, was concerned that the 8,360-square-meter hall would overshadow the rest of the White House. According to the White House Historical Association, the house where the president lives and hosts guests is 5,109.67 square meters, while the West Wing, which includes the Oval Office and other offices, is 3,716.12 square meters.
After reports of conflict between Trump and previous architect James McCrary over the size and scope of the addition, the White House said the project would be overseen by the architectural firm Shalom Baranes Associates. McCrary will remain as a consultant.