A US appeals court on Friday upheld an order halting construction of President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court battle over the limits of presidential authority.
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit agreed with a lower court that the large-scale renovation requires explicit approval from Congress.
The appeals court, which had previously allowed construction to continue while considering the case, paused its ruling for two weeks to give Trump time to seek Supreme Court intervention.
Trump criticised the 2-1 decision, describing it as “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful” and vowing to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court.
The two judges in the majority were appointed by Democratic presidents, while the dissenting judge was appointed by Trump.
The court said its decision did not determine whether the ballroom should ultimately be built, but rather whether construction could proceed during the ongoing legal proceedings without congressional authorisation.
Trump has defended the ballroom as necessary to provide space for large events and state dinners at the White House. He has also highlighted plans for an underground military bunker and other security features associated with the project.
Construction began last year following the demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing. Work has since progressed on an underground complex, with sections of concrete walls reportedly extending above ground.
Trump has said the project would be privately financed. However, media reports have indicated that taxpayer funds are also being used, while the estimated cost has risen from an initial $200 million to as much as $600 million.
The ballroom is among several projects Trump has pursued as part of his plans to reshape Washington before the end of his term in 2029.
Other initiatives, including renovations around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the proposed construction of a large arch, have also faced legal challenges.
The ballroom case, however, would be the first of the projects to potentially reach the Supreme Court.
