Trump Asks Supreme Court to Allow White House Ballroom Construction
The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to lift a lower court's order that has put a stop to the building of a 90,000 square foot ballroom complex at the White House's East Wing. This project, crafted by Shalom Baranes Associates, includes a grand ballroom, a droneport, and a five-story bunker, all costing $400 million from private donations. In December 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, claiming congressional approval was required. The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s decision to halt the ballroom construction, but allowed bunker work to continue. Solicitor General John Sauer argued that the injunction is 'extraordinary and unlawful.' The National Trust must respond by noon on August 18. Recent designs showcase a Neoclassical style with Corinthian columns and gilded ceilings.
Key facts
- The Trump administration petitioned the Supreme Court to allow construction of the White House ballroom.
- The ballroom is part of a 90,000 sq ft expansion at the East Wing of the White House.
- The project includes a droneport, a five-storey-deep bunker, and missile-resistant materials.
- The design by Shalom Baranes Associates features gilded ceilings and Corinthian columns.
- The cost is $400 million, funded by private donations.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued in December 2025, arguing congressional approval was needed.
- The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit blocked ballroom construction but allowed bunker work.
- The Supreme Court filing states the superstructure is 65% complete.
- The National Trust has until noon on 18 August to respond.
Entities
Institutions
- US Supreme Court
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- Shalom Baranes Associates
- Wallpaper*
- National Parks Service
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Truth Social
Locations
- White House
- Washington, D.C.
- United States