Federal appeals court blocks Trump's $400M White House ballroom without congressional OK

A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump cannot proceed with constructing a $400 million ballroom at the White House without congressional authorization, upholding an earlier halt to above-ground work on the project. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a 2-1 decision, emphasizing that the president, as a temporary tenant rather than owner, lacks unilateral authority to make major structural changes to the presidential residence. The three-judge panel stated: "Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help." The court noted it was aware of no instance in American history in which a president had demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized and taxpayers funded without seeking authorization. The ruling noted that Trump ordered demolition of the entire East Wing in October 2025 over three days without undertaking promised consultations or obtaining congressional permission.

The appeals court stayed its own ruling for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to seek Supreme Court review. A lower court had previously allowed underground construction, including a military bunker and security facilities, to continue while halting above-ground work. Trump criticized the decision on social media as "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful," asserting that the military and Secret Service viewed the ruling as a national security threat. He vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court and argued that presidents have rights to "fix, renovate, secure, protect, and beautify the White House grounds." Government lawyers have maintained the project includes critical security features against drones, ballistic missiles, and biohazards.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued in December 2025 to stop construction, celebrated the ruling, stating the White House belongs to the American people. The ballroom project would constitute the most substantial structural change to the presidential residence in over 70 years, designed to accommodate 999 people. Trump announced the project in July 2025 at approximately $200 million; estimates have since risen to $400 million and potentially $600 million, with debate over funding sources. The appeals court panel composition included judges appointed by Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, who backed the majority decision, while a Trump-appointed judge dissented. Republicans have shown mixed support, with seven Republican senators joining Democrats in a June vote for an amendment prohibiting funding or construction without congressional authorization.