Trump Administration Appeals White House Ballroom Halt

The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal on Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, seeking to overturn a federal judge's order that halts construction of a $400 million ballroom in the White House's East Wing. The project, which includes a 90,000-square-foot event space and an underground security facility, faces a construction stoppage deadline of April 14 unless the appeals court intervenes.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by former President George W. Bush, issued the preliminary injunction on March 31 in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The nonprofit organization argued that the president lacks statutory authority to demolish and rebuild the historic East Wing without congressional approval. Leon agreed, stating in his 35-page ruling that "unless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop." He emphasized the president's role as a steward of the White House rather than its owner, while exempting any work strictly necessary for the safety and security of the grounds and personnel.

The administration's 27-page motion...