Story perspectives

D.C. Circuit Halts $600M White House Ballroom Project

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

D.C. Circuit Court halted construction of 90,000-sq-ft White House ballroom replacing East Wing demolished in October 2025.
Panel voted 2-1, with Judge Millett and Judge Garcia writing the majority and Judge Rao dissenting.
Court stayed order for two weeks, allowing a Supreme Court appeal.
President Donald Trump called the decision horrendous and unlawful, and said he will appeal.
The National Trust sued in December 2025, arguing only Congress can authorize $600 million project.

History

Historical Context

The D.C. Circuit’s 2-1 ruling stopping Trump’s $600 million, 90,000-sq-ft White House ballroom draws on the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which instituted Section 106 review of federally funded projects. A 1978 transfer of the National Register to the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service under President Carter emphasized congressional authority over historic renovations, a precedent the court invoked.

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Story summary

D.C. Circuit Court halted construction of 90,000-sq-ft White House ballroom replacing East Wing demolished in October 2025.
Panel voted 2-1, with Judge Millett and Judge Garcia writing the majority and Judge Rao dissenting.
Court stayed order for two weeks, allowing a Supreme Court appeal.
President Donald Trump called the decision horrendous and unlawful, and said he will appeal.
The National Trust sued in December 2025, arguing only Congress can authorize $600 million project.

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