Trump asks Supreme Court to let White House resume ballroom construction during appeal

President Donald Trump's administration on Friday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the White House to continue construction on its $400 million ballroom project while it appeals a lower court's order to halt the work. A three-judge appeals court panel ruled last week that Trump must stop construction because Congress has not approved the project. The majority determined the president lacks unilateral authority to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom where the White House's East Wing previously stood before its demolition last fall. Solicitor General D. John Sauer framed the issue as national security, writing that the case "involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex." The appeals court majority stated: "Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help." However, Judge Neomi Rao, appointed by Trump, disagreed with the ruling, arguing the preservationist group challenging the project lacked standing to sue. The Trump team contends the president has authority to renovate the White House and that the current construction site status compromises security. They also dispute whether the National Trust for Historic Preservation has legal standing to challenge the project. Plaintiffs accused the administration of attempting to "outrun the courts" by accelerating work, noting plans to install substantial concrete and rebar within a week. Chief Justice Roberts set an August 21 deadline for the Supreme Court decision. The ruling allows work to continue on underground national-security facilities and certain safety measures. "The district court elevated the aesthetic displeasure of a single passerby over the government's security interests," Judge Neomi Rao wrote in dissent.