Trump Team Seeks Appeal Court Intervention to Resume White House Ballroom Construction
Government cites national security risks as legal battle intensifies over halted construction
US, Apr 05 : The Trump administration has approached a federal appeals court seeking an urgent pause on a judicial order that halted construction of a proposed $400 million ballroom at the White House, arguing the suspension poses serious security concerns.
In a motion submitted on Friday, legal representatives of the National Park Service contended that stopping the project endangers the safety of the President, his family, and staff. They emphasized that the under construction facility is designed as a fortified complex incorporating critical infrastructure such as secure shelters, defense installations, and an on site medical unit.
Highlighting the urgency, government lawyers stressed that delays could compromise protective measures, noting that temporary arrangements like canvas tents expose the premises to heightened risks from modern threats including drones and missile attacks.
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered a temporary halt to the project, pointing out that the President may lack the statutory authority to proceed without Congressional approval. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a preservation group challenging the legality of the construction.
However, Judge Leon allowed a 14 day window before enforcement of the order, acknowledging potential logistical complications and permitting essential security-related work to continue during this period.
The administration maintains that the President holds full authority to undertake renovations within the White House complex and argues that leaving the site partially developed weakens existing security arrangements.
The legal dispute coincides with recent approval granted by a federal agency responsible for overseeing development in the Washington region, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The government has requested a swift decision from the appeals court and has also sought an extension of the temporary relief period, indicating its intent to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
