Trump Administration Appeals Court Order Halting $400M White House Ballroom Construction Citing National Security
The Trump administration asserts that stopping the $400 million White House ballroom construction poses a threat to national security. On Friday, attorneys from the US National Park Service submitted a motion indicating that a federal judge's decision to halt the project jeopardizes safety. This initiative encompasses bomb shelters and military facilities. US District Judge Richard Leon had temporarily suspended the project on Tuesday, determining that preservationists are likely to prevail without Congressional consent. He allowed safety-related work to proceed despite the injunction. Trump mentioned that security enhancements could continue while he and private contributors fund the ballroom. The NPS contends that the president has the right to renovate the White House and that the unfinished site heightens risks. The administration is requesting a two-week extension from the appeals court.
Key facts
- Donald Trump's administration argues halting $400m White House ballroom construction creates national security risk
- US National Park Service lawyers filed motion on Friday citing threat to White House, president, family, and staff
- Ballroom construction includes bomb shelters, military installations, medical facility to create heavily fortified facility
- US District Judge Richard Leon ordered temporary pause on Tuesday, requiring Congressional approval
- Leon suspended enforcement for 14 days, acknowledging administration would appeal
- Judge reviewed private government information, concluded halting construction wouldn't jeopardize national security
- Trump says ruling allows underground bunkers and security measures to continue, paid by taxpayers
- Administration asks appeals court to decide by Friday, extend suspension two weeks for Supreme Court appeal
Entities
Institutions
- US National Park Service
- White House
- Congress
- US Supreme Court
- Republican Party
Locations
- Washington
- United States