A federal court has ordered President Donald Trump to halt construction on a massive White House ballroom project after a legal challenge. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 on Friday that the administration must stop the work, which involves a significant remodel of the East Wing.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued last year to stop the project, arguing that the White House needed Congressional authorization before proceeding. The Trump administration did not seek approval from Congress for the ballroom, which is projected to cost $400 million and span approximately 90,000 square feet.
The majority opinion from the appeals court 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 judges added, 'Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House — the People’s House — to fit a particular President’s desires.'
This ruling upholds a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon. Judge Leon had previously ordered a halt to above-ground construction while allowing subterranean work to continue, finding no law that granted the President the power to build the ballroom without Congressional approval.
The East Wing of the White House was torn down last year to make way for the ballroom. The court's decision is currently on hold for 14 days, allowing the Trump administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The ballroom project is part of several significant renovations undertaken during Trump's presidency. Other changes include the redesign of the West Wing Colonnade, the addition of the Presidential Walk of Fame, and a refurbishment of the South Lawn to include a new helicopter landing pad.
Construction on the site has been paused twice previously during the legal proceedings. Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice immediately responded to requests for comment.