Story perspectives

Appeals Court Blocks Trump’s $400 Million Ballroom Plan

8/17/2026

Summary

Trump Flies

U.S. President Donald Trump flew with aide Natalie Harp on Air Force One from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., on Sunday.
Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) criticized the Trump-Harp bond as neglect of duties at an Atlanta rally.
Maggie Haberman of The New York Times called Harp Trump’s “comfort blanket.”
During an Iranian threat, Trump left Air Force One in a Turkish catering truck and boarded a plane with Harp.

Summary

Trump Blocks Ballroom

A federal appeals court blocked President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom without congressional approval.
The administration has petitioned the Supreme Court for emergency relief, with a ruling required by August 21.
Trump told the U.S. Navy to shift new carriers’ island centrally, a WWII-style tweak that could add billions and delay the ships.
He posted AI-generated videos of himself with George Washington touring the ballroom on Truth Social.

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Trump Flies

U.S. President Donald Trump flew with aide Natalie Harp on Air Force One from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., on Sunday.
Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) criticized the Trump-Harp bond as neglect of duties at an Atlanta rally.
Maggie Haberman of The New York Times called Harp Trump’s “comfort blanket.”
During an Iranian threat, Trump left Air Force One in a Turkish catering truck and boarded a plane with Harp.

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