Story perspectives

National Trust Wins Court Block on Trump's Ballroom

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Trust for Historic Preservation secured a preliminary injunction halting work on President Donald Trump's White House ballroom pending congressional approval.
Trump, who called ABC reporter Rachel Scott “stupid” after she asked about renovations during the Iran war, says the ballroom will cost under $400 million and faces a $1 billion taxpayer-funded security package.
Polls show 56 percent oppose the ballroom, which a federal judge ruled Trump lacks unilateral authority for projects.

History

Historical Context

In July 1974, eight justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. Nixon, unanimously ordered President Richard Nixon to turn over the White House tapes, rejecting an absolute claim of executive privilege. The ruling created a precedent that courts may block executive initiatives lacking explicit congressional authorization, a principle later applied to halt unilateral federal projects.

1 of 2

Story summary

The National Trust for Historic Preservation secured a preliminary injunction halting work on President Donald Trump's White House ballroom pending congressional approval.
Trump, who called ABC reporter Rachel Scott “stupid” after she asked about renovations during the Iran war, says the ballroom will cost under $400 million and faces a $1 billion taxpayer-funded security package.
Polls show 56 percent oppose the ballroom, which a federal judge ruled Trump lacks unilateral authority for projects.

1 / 2