WASHINGTON: A US federal appeals court has ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to halt construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, ruling that major changes to the presidential complex require congressional approval.
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction blocking above-ground work on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom being built at the site of the demolished East Wing.
In a 2-1 decision, the court said each president was a “temporary tenant” rather than the owner of the White House and could not fundamentally reshape the property without approval from Congress.
The ruling has been placed on hold for 14 days, giving the Trump administration time to seek review by the US Supreme Court.
Trump vows appeal
Trump said his administration would challenge the decision, describing the planned structure as a security necessity as well as a venue for major formal events.
He said the project would include bomb shelters, medical facilities and protection against drones and missiles, arguing that the security features contributed to its cost.
ALSO READ: US Senate Passes Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill
The National Trust for Historic Preservation brought the lawsuit after the administration demolished the East Wing and began the project without congressional authorisation.
The appeals court said its decision did not permanently prevent construction of a ballroom but required above-ground work to remain suspended while the lawsuit proceeds and until congressional approval is obtained.
A dissenting judge argued that blocking construction amounted to judicial overreach.
