A US appeals court has ordered a halt to construction of the White House ballroom, stating that major renovation projects require Congressional approval. President Trump is preparing to appeal to the Supreme Court.
On 8 August 2026, foreign news agencies reported that the US appeals court ruled 2-1 to suspend construction of President Donald Trump's major ballroom project. The court agreed with the lower court that such extensive White House renovations must have explicit Congressional consent. The appeals court issued a two-week stay on the ruling to allow Trump to file a petition with the US Supreme Court to review the case.
President Trump immediately condemned the decision, calling it "terrible," politically motivated, and illegal, and confirmed he would appeal promptly to the Supreme Court. He affirmed that the new ballroom is necessary for hosting receptions and ceremonies. Recently, he emphasized that the project also includes building an underground military bunker and other security systems. Trump also posted on Truth Social, stating the ruling poses a top-level threat to national security and is a national disgrace, adding that most construction and payments had already been completed.
Source: AFP