Trump asks Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to proceed

Published Aug 14, 07:10 PM UTC

President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow construction of a $400 million White House ballroom complex to proceed, after a federal appeals court ordered a halt. The project, which involved demolishing the East Wing without notifying Congress, is opposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trump administration argues the ballroom, which includes a planned 'drone port' on its roof, is vital for national security and military readiness. The appeals court's injunction is set to take effect on August 21, 2026. Solicitor General D. John Sauer stated that halting construction would improperly allow a single district judge to decide what is necessary for presidential security. The Supreme Court has been asked to block the lower court's ruling while the appeal continues.