DOJ Appeals Court Ruling Blocking Trump’s White House Ballroom Project Amid Legal Battle

The U.S. Department of Justice has appealed a federal court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project, intensifying the legal battle only hours after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against the administration.

In its decision issued Friday, the D.C. Circuit said Congress holds “plenary control” over the White House and its surrounding grounds. The court concluded that major structural changes—including the proposed demolition and redevelopment involving the East Wing—cannot move forward without congressional authorization.

President Trump sharply criticized the ruling, calling it “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful.” He argued that the ballroom expansion is “vital for the National Security and Military Operations of the United States of America,” insisting the project is necessary to modernize the White House for official events and high-level state functions.

The appeals court has temporarily paused its ruling for 14 days, allowing the administration time to seek further judicial review. As a result, the decision does not take effect immediately while the Justice Department pursues its appeal.

The case is expected to become a significant constitutional dispute over the limits of presidential authority and Congress’s control over federal property, with further proceedings likely in the coming weeks.