Washington, D.C. — August 8, 2026
President Donald Trump has pledged to take his fight over a planned White House ballroom to the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal appeals court upheld a halt on construction, ruling that Congress must authorize such a sweeping alteration to the historic residence.
Court Ruling
On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit sided with preservationists, declaring that presidents cannot unilaterally expand or demolish parts of the White House without congressional approval. The decision affirms a lower court’s injunction that froze work on the ballroom, which had already led to the demolition of the East Wing.
Judge Patricia Millett, writing for the majority, emphasized that the White House is “a national landmark, not private property,” and that any major changes require legislative oversight. Judge Neomi Rao dissented, arguing that the president should retain broad discretion over security and functional upgrades.
Trump’s Response
Trump blasted the ruling as “a disgrace” on Truth Social, insisting that presidents have the right to “renovate, secure, and beautify” the White House without interference. He vowed to appeal directly to the Supreme Court, framing the case as a test of executive authority.
The Ballroom Project
The proposed ballroom is a 90,000-square-foot addition estimated to cost between $400 million and $600 million. Trump has said the facility would serve both ceremonial and security purposes, including an underground complex for military operations. While he has touted private donations as the funding source, internal documents suggest taxpayers could shoulder a significant portion of the expense.
Opposition and Investigations
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit to block the project, warning of irreversible damage to the White House’s historic character. Congressional Democrats have opened inquiries into whether donors were promised favors in exchange for contributions. Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans oppose the ballroom, viewing it as unnecessary and extravagant.
What Comes Next
Trump has 14 days to file his Supreme Court appeal. If the Court agrees to hear the case, it could set a precedent on the limits of presidential authority over modifications to national landmarks. Meanwhile, Congress faces pressure to clarify its role in approving or rejecting such projects.