Federal appeals court orders Trump to halt White House ballroom construction; Trump vows Supreme Court appeal

Published Aug 7, 03:15 PM UTC

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled 2-1 on August 7, 2026, ordering President Donald Trump to stop construction on a controversial White House ballroom project, citing that Congress has exclusive authority over White House structures. Trump reacted furiously on Truth Social, announcing an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court and claiming the ruling is a national security threat. The project, originally estimated at $200 million, has ballooned to $600 million, with taxpayers expected to cover half the cost. The lawsuit was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, arguing aesthetic injury to the White House. Trump-appointed Judge Neomi Rao dissented, questioning the plaintiffs' standing. The ruling blocks further construction unless Congress approves.