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1h ago

Appeals Court Lets White House Ballroom Work Proceed During Fast-Track Review

The fast-track appeal tests how far a president can change White House grounds without new approval from Congress.

Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)
The demolition of the East Wing of the White House during construction of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed ballroom is seen from the reopened Washington Monument, following the longest shutdown of the government in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 15, 2025. REUTERS/ Jessica Koscielniak/File Photo
Artist renderings of the new White House East Wing and Ballroom are photographed Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)
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Overview

  • A three-judge D.C. Circuit panel issued an administrative stay Friday that lets construction continue during the appeal.
  • The panel said the stay gives time to review the government’s emergency request and does not signal a view on the case.
  • Judges set oral arguments for June 5 and ordered expedited briefs, with government filings due May 8, the Trust’s response May 27, and a reply June 1.
  • U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had blocked the above-ground ballroom as lacking clear statutory authority from Congress while allowing security work below ground.
  • The National Trust’s suit, filed after the East Wing demolition, challenges presidential and Park Service authority as the administration cites security needs and a funding split that uses private money for the ballroom and public funds for underground upgrades.