Another court blocks White House ballroom work, teeing up a Supreme Court review
A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration's construction of a White House ballroom, ruling that the project requires Congressional approval. The administration plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, citing national security concerns.
Why it matters
The case highlights a significant constitutional dispute regarding the limits of executive power versus Congressional oversight in managing federal property.
An appeals court ordered the Trump administration to halt construction on its White House ballroom, saying the project needs approval from Congress in order to continue.
"Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help," the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit wrote in a 136-page ruling issued Friday.
History How presidents have changed the White House — and how Trump's ballroom is different The three-judge panel issued a 2-1 ruling, but it says it will stay its order for two weeks to allow the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
NPR has reached out to the White House for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.
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