Trump rages at judges after they order halt to his ballroom project
Donald Trump has lashed out at the judges who blocked the construction of his White House ballroom.
The federal appeals court ordered that construction of the ballroom be halted, saying the president does not have the unilateral authority to demolish and rebuild any of the White House.
Donald Trump demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Instead he must seek the approval of Congress to do major work on the building.
Responding on Truth Social, Trump said he will immediately appeal to the Supreme Court.
His post focused on the security facilities that will also feature in the major renovation.
“The Military and Secret Service are viewing this horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful ruling as a National Security threat to our Nation in that the entire Complex is being built for the protection of our Country and, additionally, all future Presidents,” the president said.
“The Circuit Court also refused to acknowledge that the desperately needed, and totally secure Ballroom, which is being built ahead of schedule and under budget, is a Gift from President Trump and Great Patriots of the United States of America.”
He complained the court should have stopped the construction earlier.
“Why didn’t they bring this case long prior to construction starting?” Trump said.
“There will be no expense to the American Taxpayer.
“This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety.”
Construction continues on a helipad and the White House Ballroom on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Washington AP Photo/Tierney L. Cross
The East Wing of the White House was knocked down without any announcement ahead of time.
The US Court of Appeals sided with a group of historic preservationists who sued to stop the demolition.
“The White House is the People’s House, and under the Constitution’s Property Clause, Congress exercises plenary control over the building and its surrounding land,” the ruling read.
“Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence.
“The President has no—and claims no—constitutionally assigned authority over that property, which is designed and maintained for the use of all Presidents, current and future, and for the American people.”
Trump’s argument that the White House renovations would be funded by himself and the donations of others did not impress the judges.
The panel upheld an April 16 order from US District Judge Richard Leon for the administration to halt above-ground work on the ballroom. AP Photo/Tierney L. Cross
“We are aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorised to be built and American taxpayers paid for,” the ruling said.
“Until now.”
They stayed the decision for two weeks so the White House could appeal to the Supreme Court.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, who sued to stop the renovations, celebrated the court’s decision in a statement.
“This is a great day for our country and for the American people’s right to voice their opinions about the historic places they cherish, including the White House,” CEO Brent Leggs said.
“The White House, a global landmark that symbolises American identity and the ideals of democracy, belongs to the American people.
“The National Trust for Historic Preservation and its partners are proud to defend this irreplaceable monument on behalf of all Americans.”
Congress will be loath to vote on approving the construction of a ballroom for the White House.
The project is deeply unpopular with American voters, and Republicans hold a majority of just a few seats.
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