Supreme Court pauses order halting Trump White House ballroom construction
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday allowed President Donald Trump's administration to continue construction of the White House ballroom project for now, temporarily pausing a judicial order that would halt much of the development. The court's administrative stay gives the justices additional time to consider the administration's request to continue work on the $400 million ballroom while a lawsuit by a historic preservation group proceeds.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court issued an administrative stay on Friday, temporarily pausing a lower court order that would halt much of the White House ballroom construction.
- The ballroom project is estimated at $400 million and includes a 90,000-square-foot above-ground ballroom plus an underground complex.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued last year after the administration demolished the White House East Wing without seeking specific approval from Congress.
- On August 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld Judge Richard Leon's order directing the administration to halt above-ground construction.
The Supreme Court Stay
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday allowed President Donald Trump's administration to continue construction of the White House ballroom project for now, temporarily pausing a judicial order that would halt much of the development. The court's action, known as an administrative stay, gives the justices additional time to consider the administration's formal request to let it continue working on the $400 million ballroom while a lawsuit by a historic preservation group seeking to stop the project proceeds. In an August 14 filing to the Supreme Court, Justice Department lawyers echoed Trump's contention that the project is a security necessity, citing assassination attempts against the president and other recent threats.
The Ballroom Project
The nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation sued last year after the administration tore down the White House East Wing and began building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom without seeking specific approval from Congress. Trump has said the ballroom will be "the greatest of its kind ever built." The project combines the above-ground ballroom with an extensive underground complex that Trump has said includes bomb shelters, medical facilities, shielding from drones and missiles and other security features.
Lower Court Ruling
On August 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a 2-1 ruling upheld U.S. District Judge Richard Leon's order directing the administration to halt above-ground construction. The order had been set to take effect on Friday.
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Supreme Court pauses order halting Trump White House ballroom construction
