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National Trust Asks Supreme Court to Suspend $400M Project

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

National Trust asked the Supreme Court to suspend the $400 million White House ballroom project.
An appeals panel upheld a pause but suspended it after Judge Richard Leon ruled no statute authorizes the president to destroy a third of the White House.
Administration lawyer John Sauer urged the Supreme Court to decide its stay petition before Friday, saying 65%-complete project with an underground military facility is vital for national security.

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Story summary

National Trust asked the Supreme Court to suspend the $400 million White House ballroom project.
An appeals panel upheld a pause but suspended it after Judge Richard Leon ruled no statute authorizes the president to destroy a third of the White House.
Administration lawyer John Sauer urged the Supreme Court to decide its stay petition before Friday, saying 65%-complete project with an underground military facility is vital for national security.