Construction on Trump’s White House ballroom can continue for now, U.S. Appeals Court says

Lead

A U.S. appeals court on Friday night permitted President Donald Trump's administration to continue construction of a $400 million ballroom on the site of the White House's demolished East Wing, temporarily setting aside a lower court ruling that had halted above-ground work. The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit scheduled a June 5 hearing to review the case, according to multiple reports.

Coverage Comparison

The ruling drew attention from outlets across the political spectrum. Al Jazeera reported that the appeals court allowed construction to continue at least until April 17, with the majority raising questions about the administration's arguments even as they granted more time. The South China Morning Post described the panel's action as placing the lower court's preliminary injunction on hold while the court considers the Justice Department's request for a longer pause. The Hindu noted the three-judge panel scheduled a hearing for June 5, echoing the South China Morning Post's account.

All three outlets agreed on the core facts: the construction involves a $400 million ballroom, the East Wing was demolished to make way for it, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit challenging the project.

Key Claims

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit last year challenging the Trump administration's authority to build the ballroom, arguing that the president exceeded his powers by proceeding without congressional approval. The lawsuit sought an injunction against the project.

Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, sided with the National Trust on Thursday, ruling that the ballroom project was unlawful without approval from Congress. He ordered a pause on construction, while carving out exceptions for work necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House.

The appeals court's Friday order put Leon's injunction on hold, allowing construction to continue for now. The order did not address the merits of the underlying lawsuit, as noted by the South China Morning Post.

The East Wing was abruptly torn down to make room for the ballroom, a fact reported by Al Jazeera. The project is described as a 90,000-square-foot (8,400-square-metre) ballroom.

Perspectives

The appeals court's decision was not unanimous. Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia, appointed by Democratic presidents, formed the majority, while Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, dissented, according to Al Jazeera. The majority raised questions about the Trump administration's arguments, even as they allowed construction to proceed temporarily.

The court granted the administration extra time to seek Supreme Court review, with a deadline of April 17. The administration has argued that it has the authority to proceed without congressional approval, a position the lower court rejected.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment after business hours, according to the South China Morning Post. The case highlights the ongoing legal battle over the authority of the president to make significant changes to the White House without legislative approval.