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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 7, 2026Miami-Dade

Federal appeals court blocks White House ballroom construction without Congressional approval

A federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration must halt aboveground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom because it lacks required Congressional authorization. The court stayed the ruling for two weeks to allow the administration to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

white houseconstructioncongresspresidential authorityhistoric preservationnational security
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Why It Matters

The ruling prevents the executive branch from unilaterally altering the White House grounds, establishing that major structural changes to the historic site require legislative approval regardless of funding sources.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled 2-1 that the administration cannot build the ballroom without Congressional approval.
  • The court issued a two-week stay on its ruling to allow the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
  • The project is estimated to cost $400 million.
  • The ballroom is designed to be 90,000 square feet and hold 999 people.
  • The administration previously requested $1 billion from Congress for the project, which was denied in May.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop the project in December 2025.
  • The ruling does not stop underground construction, including bunkers and medical facilities.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission had granted final approval for the project on April 2.
  • The administration claims the project includes essential national security features like bomb shelters and military facilities.

Who's Mentioned

personNeomi Rao“Dissenting judge”personLeon“District court judge”organizationU.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit“Court issuing the ruling”organizationNational Trust for Historic Preservation“Plaintiff in the lawsuit”organizationNational Capital Planning Commission“Commission that previously approved the project”personPatricia Millett“Judge in the majority”personBradley Garcia“Judge in the majority”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”