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3w ago

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

The temporary stay preserves construction pending a fast-track review of the project’s legality.

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, in an administrative stay issued late Friday, put a lower court’s halt on hold and let all construction continue for now.
  • The panel scheduled oral arguments for June 5 and set a rapid briefing timeline with filings due May 8, May 27, and June 1.
  • U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had blocked above-ground ballroom work but allowed underground security facilities after finding no clear law letting the project proceed without Congress.
  • The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued after the East Wing was torn down, saying the president and the National Park Service lack authority, while government lawyers point to security features like anti-drone and blast protection.
  • The appeals court said the stay is not a decision on the merits, and the case could define how far a president may change federally owned landmarks using private donations and limited oversight.