Washington, August 7: A federal appeals court in Washington has ordered a halt to the Trump administration’s proposed $400 million construction of a new ballroom at the White House. This decision was made on Friday.
However, the court has temporarily stayed this ruling for 14 days to allow the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
In a 2-1 majority decision, the U.S. Federal Appeals Court for the District of Columbia stated, “Every president is not the permanent owner of the White House and its executive residence, but a temporary resident. The president has no constitutional right over this property. This complex is designed and preserved for the use of all current and future presidents and the American public.”
The court added, “We have found no precedent in American history where a president has unilaterally demolished significant parts of the White House, funded by privately raised money, which Congress had authorized and for which American taxpayers had paid. This has never happened before.”
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, the court ruled in favor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The ruling noted that in October 2025, Trump completely demolished the East Wing of the White House without consultation or congressional approval, intending to replace it with a massive 90,000 square foot ballroom. This project was funded privately and lacked congressional oversight.
Nonetheless, the court’s order included a provision stating, “We are staying this decision for fourteen days so that the defendants may seek a review from the Supreme Court if they wish.”
Earlier in July, Trump claimed that the renovation and reconstruction of the White House symbolized America’s broader renaissance. He argued that the nation’s most iconic building should reflect national strength, history, and confidence.
In a speech from the Rose Garden on July 7, Trump elaborated on the White House renovation, describing it not only as an effort of preservation but also as a symbol of America’s future. He stated that the U.S. should have formal facilities that are on par with or better than those of other major powers in the world.
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