Appeals court allows Trump's White House ballroom construction to continue into June
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- A federal appeals court allowed construction to continue on President Trump's new White House ballroom and underground military bunker until June, overturning a federal judge's previous halt on aboveground work.
- The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments on the legality of the ballroom construction for June 5, temporarily pausing U.S. District Judge Richard Leon's order.
- Judge Leon had blocked aboveground construction, stating that national security concerns do not provide a blanket exemption for unlawful activity, and criticized the Trump administration's interpretation of his earlier order.
- President Trump publicly condemned Judge Leon's ruling, asserting that the ballroom is vital for national security and accusing the judge of bias.
- These legal challenges coincide with Trump's broader efforts to gain approval for additional significant construction projects in Washington, D.C.
