Appeals court says Trump needs congressional approval for White House ballroom
Summary
A federal appeals court ruled that President Trump cannot build a new ballroom at the White House East Wing without Congress’s approval. The court said the President does not have the legal right to demolish and rebuild parts of the White House on his own, as Congress controls federal property and its funding.Key Facts
- The planned ballroom is 90,000 square feet and would replace the East Wing of the White House.
- The project is estimated to cost $400 million.
- The court’s decision was 2-1 in favor of requiring congressional approval.
- Judges said each President is a temporary user of the White House, not an owner, and must follow laws for changes.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the project.
- The Justice Department may ask a higher court or the Supreme Court to review the case.
- The Trump administration argued the project is allowed under rules for routine maintenance and cited security reasons.
- Construction started in October 2025 before the court ruling stopped above-ground work.
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