US appeals court halts construction of Trump's White House ballroom

On August 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling halting construction of a controversial $400 million ballroom at the White House. The court voted 2-1 to uphold a preliminary injunction sought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The legal battle began last year after the administration demolished the historic East Wing to make way for the 8,360-square-meter project, which proceeded without congressional authorization.

Judge Richard Leon had previously blocked construction twice, though earlier rulings allowed for limited underground work. The appellate court has granted a 14-day stay on its injunction, providing the Trump administration a window to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The project remains a significant point of contention regarding the scope of presidential authority and the preservation of national historical sites.