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DC Circuit Upholds Halt to White House Ballroom, Trump Appeals

8/11/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to uphold Judge Richard Leon’s injunction halting the above-ground White House ballroom construction.
Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia ruled that only Congress may authorize changes to the White House.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social his administration will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, citing a 14-day stay to file.

History

Historical Context

The 1974 Supreme Court decision United States v. Nixon, issued July 24, 1974, unanimously (8-0) rejected President Nixon’s claim of absolute executive privilege and forced release of the Watergate tapes. That ruling established that presidents are not above the law and has been cited in later cases requiring congressional approval for presidential alterations of federal property.

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Story summary

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to uphold Judge Richard Leon’s injunction halting the above-ground White House ballroom construction.
Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia ruled that only Congress may authorize changes to the White House.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social his administration will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, citing a 14-day stay to file.

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