US Appeals Court Orders Halt to Trump’s $400 Million White House Ballroom Project

POLICY WIRE — Washington, DC — A federal appeals court ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to cease construction of a proposed $400 million ballroom on the site of the White House’s demolished East Wing, according to a ruling issued on Friday.

The court determined that a president cannot undertake significant alterations to the White House without congressional approval. “The fundamental reshaping of the White House requires congressional consent,” the court stated.

The proposed ballroom project, which was to be constructed on the site of the East Wing that was previously demolished, has faced substantial scrutiny and legal challenges. Critics argued that the project overstepped presidential authority — and required legislative oversight.

This ruling underscores the legal boundaries of executive actions concerning historically and culturally significant national properties. The decision is expected to have implications for future presidential initiatives involving substantial modifications to the White House.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)