DOJ White House ballroom construction
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The gist
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow $400m White House ballroom construction to continue. The court's decision will determine if the controversial project proceeds during litigation.
Background
The Trump administration has been building a new White House ballroom as part of a broader overhaul of the White House grounds, which also includes a helipad and visitor screening center. The project has faced legal challenges over its legality and funding, with a lower court issuing an injunction that paused above-ground construction. The administration argues the ballroom is a national security necessity, citing assassination attempts against Trump, and has asked the Supreme Court to allow work to continue while the case is appealed.
How it unfolded
- last yearThe Trump administration tore down the White House's former East Wing and began construction on a new ballroom with high-security areas.
- Aug 5, 2026Construction continues on the ballroom and helipad on the South Lawn of the White House, as seen in an AP photo.
- Aug 7, 2026The D.C. Circuit in a 2-1 ruling upheld a lower-court judge's order directing the administration to halt above-ground construction.
- Aug 14, 2026The Trump administration filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court asking it to allow construction to continue while litigation proceeds.
Who’s saying what
- Administration
- The ballroom is 'vitally required by national security' and the injunction is 'extraordinary and unlawful,' the DOJ wrote.
- Court
- Judge Richard Leon concluded that a pause wouldn't jeopardize national security, and the D.C. Circuit upheld that ruling.
- Critics
- Senate Democrats and the National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed concerns about transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Still unverified
The administration claims the project is 65% complete and $200 million has been spent or committed, but these figures have not been independently verified. The Washington Post reported that taxpayers will cover approximately half the costs, but this has not been confirmed by the administration.