Construction on the White House ballroom expansion will be able to continue for now, as the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a lower court order that had temporarily halted the project.
Chief Justice John Roberts stated that he decided on an administrative stay regarding the order halting construction on the White House ballroom to secure time to review an emergency appeal submitted by the Trump administration. Accordingly, the construction halt deadline imposed by the appeals court has been temporarily paused.
Previously, the appeals court had ordered a halt to the construction, determining that the massive new ballroom project is likely to require congressional approval. An administrative stay from the Supreme Court typically remains in effect for a few days, during which the justices will make a final decision on whether to grant a preliminary injunction on the construction.
President Trump expressed his gratitude for the decision via Truth Social, stating, "The military and ballroom complex being built at the White House is vital to national security."
The administration has argued that the ballroom construction is tied to the creation of a five-story underground military and emergency bunker facility, which is directly linked to national security and the personal safety of the President and key officials. In the project estimated at a total of $600 million, the ballroom is designed to serve as a shield to protect the underground facility, equipped with missile-resistant columns and a drone-defense roof.
Conversely, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit to halt the construction, arguing that the project damages the historical value and scenic view of the White House and constitutes an abuse of presidential authority.
Whether the Supreme Court will ultimately grant the administration's emergency stay request is expected to be decided soon following further review.