Supreme Court Allows White House to Proceed with $400 Million Ballroom Construction

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court on Monday permitted the White House to continue construction on a $400 million ballroom project while lawsuits are ongoing. The decision, which was a 5-4 ruling, replaces a temporary order issued earlier this month that would have halted the project. Chief Justice John Roberts, who signed the temporary order, publicly disagreed with the latest decision, stating in a dissent that the project is likely unlawful due to lack of Congressional approval. Roberts remarked, “Today’s decision is no victory for the separation of powers.” The court's three liberal justices concurred with his dissent. The majority opinion indicated that the National Trust for Historic Preservation likely did not have the legal standing to challenge the project. The unsigned order referenced government claims that the ballroom would address national security concerns by providing a secure structure for large events and shielding a planned underground military installation. The majority opinion noted that the only harm claimed by the Trust was the aesthetic offense to one of its members regarding the scale and height of the proposed structure. President Trump expressed approval of the decision, stating on social media, “I am pleased to report that the United States Supreme Court has just ruled in favor of the Ballroom/Military Complex being built without any further contingency, doubt, or threat.” The majority’s order did not resolve the legality of the project, which will return to lower courts. Documents indicate that key portions of the project could be completed within months. Brent Leggs, president and CEO of the Trust, expressed disappointment with the decision but support for Roberts’ dissent, emphasizing that the President should not have unilateral authority to alter the People’s House without Congressional approval. The Trump administration sought Supreme Court intervention after federal courts mandated a halt to the project due to lack of Congressional approval. The Trust's lawsuit argued that Trump lacks the authority to proceed with the work, which has included demolishing parts of the East Wing. The administration contends that the President has full authority to renovate federal buildings. The Trust and dissenting justices pointed out that federal law prohibits construction on federal parks or public grounds in D.C. without Congressional authorization. Trump labeled the lawsuit as “baseless,” asserting that the completed ballroom and military complex would be a source of national pride. The administration reported that construction crews are working 20 hours a day on the planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, with framework completion expected in November and much of the facade finished by April, aiming for full completion by August 2028. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had previously ordered a stop to aboveground construction in April, allowing work on underground military installations to continue. This ruling was upheld by a divided appeals court panel. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the halt on construction was “extraordinary and unlawful,” emphasizing the project’s importance for national security, which was not initially highlighted when Trump announced the work would be funded by private donations. The administration has experienced several victories on the Supreme Court’s emergency docket, although some of Trump’s key policies have been ruled against after more comprehensive reviews.