US Supreme Court Allows White House Ballroom Work to Proceed for Now

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Trump administration's request to continue building a large ballroom at the White House, temporarily setting aside a lower court's order that had halted above-ground work on the project.

The 5-4 ruling on Monday allows construction to proceed while the administration appeals a judicial decision that said Congress must approve the project. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation after the East Wing was demolished to make way for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which is part of a larger $400 million development.

The administration has argued the project is a national security necessity, citing threats against the president. The Justice Department described the complex as an "integrated military complex" that includes a secure ballroom, bomb shelters, medical facilities, and protection against drones and missiles.

A federal appeals court had previously upheld a district judge's order to halt above-ground construction, noting that "each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House." That court also rejected the administration's security rationale as "not an automatic get-out-of-law-free card."

The preservation group has urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's bid, arguing that no court has found legal authority for the project without congressional approval. The administration says the overall East Wing project is about 65% complete.

The East Wing, originally built in 1902 and expanded in 1942, housed the first lady's offices and the White House movie theater. The ballroom project is part of broader efforts to reshape landmarks in Washington, including plans for a 250-foot arch and renovations to the Kennedy Center.