Supreme Court Allows Construction of Trump's Ballroom Project to Continue Temporarily

The Supreme Court ruled on August 21, 2026, that President Trump's ballroom construction project can proceed temporarily, despite a lower court's ruling that had halted the plans. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a brief order pausing the D.C. District Court's injunction while the Supreme Court considers the case. The administration argues that the project is necessary for security, as it involves demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build the ballroom. The Supreme Court's decision follows a divided federal appeals court panel's earlier ruling that stated Trump needed congressional approval for the project. The appeals court had suspended its decision for two weeks to allow Trump's team to appeal to the Supreme Court. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that halting the construction would impede national security efforts. While the lower court's order barred the government from developing the ballroom, it allowed for below-ground construction related to national security. A White House official indicated that the project is approximately 65% complete, with underground facilities nearing completion.