A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to halt construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, ruling that the project cannot proceed above ground without congressional approval.
The 2-1 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction obtained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation after the administration demolished the East Wing and began work on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
The ruling is stayed for 14 days, allowing the administration time to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The court’s majority said a president is a temporary occupant of the White House and cannot fundamentally reshape the property without authorization from Congress.
Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia said the ruling does not permanently prevent construction but requires the administration to secure congressional approval while litigation continues.
Judge Neomi Rao dissented, arguing that the injunction amounted to judicial overreach.
A lower court had previously halted above-ground construction while allowing underground work, including bunkers and other security facilities, to continue.
The National Trust welcomed Friday’s decision, maintaining that Congress alone can authorize construction of the ballroom.
Trump said the administration would immediately appeal to the Supreme Court, calling the ruling politically motivated and arguing that the project is tied to national security.
He said the complex would include bomb shelters, medical facilities, protection against drones and missiles, and other security features.
Government lawyers have similarly argued that the project contains critical measures intended to protect the president, staff and White House.
The administration has also maintained that congressional authorization is unnecessary because the ballroom is privately funded.
Trump has said corporations, wealthy donors and he himself have contributed toward construction costs.
The administration had separately requested $1 billion for the ballroom, which Congress refused in May.
The National Capital Planning Commission gave the project final approval on April 2, but the courts have continued examining whether congressional authorization is also legally required.