Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow $400m White House Ballroom

Background of the Dispute

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December, after the Trump administration tore down the East Wing of the White House and began work on a 90,000sq ft (8,360sq m) ballroom last year. The lawsuit challenged the legality of the construction.

Trump has repeatedly defied court rulings and insisted that work on the ballroom will continue. He and his allies have argued that the new space is needed to host secure events following a series of failed assassination attempts.

Critics have noted that the ballroom plans come amid a wider push by the president to transform the US capital in his image, including through the construction of a massive triumphal arch. The project's price to US taxpayers has also ballooned, contradicting Trump's earlier claims that it would be funded solely through outside donations.

Official Statements and Security Claims

In its filing, the DOJ wrote: "This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex, including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security."

After the appeals court injunction, Trump responded publicly, writing: "This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety." He added that the ballroom would include bomb shelters, medical facilities, protection from drones and missiles and other security features that are "all tied together as one big, expensive, and very complex unit."

What Happens Next

The Supreme Court has not yet indicated whether it will accept the case or grant the requested stay. The 14-day stay on the injunction was intended to give the DOJ time to pursue its appeal before the August 21 construction deadline.

If the Supreme Court declines to intervene, above-ground construction would be required to halt unless Congress grants specific approval for the ballroom project.