Court Debates Halting White House Ballroom Construction

In Washington, federal lawyers claimed Friday that halting the ongoing construction of a White House ballroom is beyond the court’s ability, emphasizing security concerns addressed by the project. Attorney Yaakov Roth argued that only Congress could stop the $400 million venture.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had previously ordered a suspension of aboveground work on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, while allowing underground construction related to national security to proceed. Judge Leon, appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, aimed to challenge the extent of government actions once initiated, especially concerning national security.

During the hearing, U.S. Appeals Court Judge Patricia Millett asked if construction was now inseparable from the ballroom project. Roth replied that halting the project from the start would have been improper. Despite extensive discussion, the three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit did not reach a decision.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December after the East Wing was demolished to make way for the ballroom, which is designed to accommodate 999 people. Judges questioned both the administration’s authority and the lawsuit’s standing.

Plaintiffs’ attorney Tad Heuer acknowledged the project’s underground components focusing on security. He argued for pausing construction until Congress intervenes, asserting it’s within Congress’s authority to approve ballroom construction.

Government representatives underscore that the project supports essential security enhancements against threats like drones, missiles, and biohazards. They maintain these changes are crucial for the safety of the President and the White House.