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Federal Appeals Court Blocks Trump's White House Ballroom Project
Just the facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit determined that Congress holds constitutional control over the funding and development of federal property. Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia wrote the majority opinion, while Judge Neomi Rao dissented on legal standing grounds. The judicial panel stayed its decision for 14 days to allow the Department of Justice time to seek further appeals. President Donald Trump ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing in October 2025 to make way for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom project, which is estimated to cost $400 million.
Why this is news
A federal appellate panel ruled 2-1 that the White House lacks legal authority to construct a $400 million ballroom without express approval from Congress. The decision affirmed a lower court ruling halting above-ground construction on the site where the East Wing stood.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.