Trump asks court to pause order halting White House ballroom construction
apnews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration argues that a federal judge's order to halt construction of a $400 million White House ballroom poses a national security risk to President Trump, his family, and staff, urging an appeals court to pause the ruling.
- The ballroom project includes fortified features such as bomb shelters, military installations, and a medical facility, which the administration claims are essential for White House security.
- U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered a temporary suspension of the project, stating the president lacks statutory authority for the construction without congressional approval, but exempted security-related work from the injunction.
- Despite the ruling, Trump stated that security-related construction, including underground bunkers funded by taxpayers, will continue, while he and private donors intend to cover ballroom costs.
- The administration is requesting an expedited appeals court decision and an extension of the suspension to allow the case to potentially reach the Supreme Court.
