In a decision that micromanages the Executive Branch’s responsibilities to operate and maintain the nation’s federal facilities at the White House, two Democrat-appointed judges on an appeals court panel have claimed that President Donald Trump’s privately funded plan for a White House ballroom requires congressional funding.
The ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals was stayed pending an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is imminent.
The panel voted 2-1 that Congress retains control over funding for the White House project.
Ironically, the funding has been solicited, and obtained, from private donors.
The fight comes as judges routinely block or try to undo many of the projects through which the president is trying to improve the infrastructure in Washington.
Heretofore major events have been held outdoors in Washington, and Trump’s plan, which he confirmed was being funded by private donors, would create an indoor space for the cream of the nation’s social events.
“We are aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for. Until now,” the two judges trying to killing the capital improvement said.
They are Patricia Millett, appointed by Barack Obama, and Brad Garcia, appointed by Joe Biden.
Dissenting was U.S. Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, who concluded that the “preservationist” organization challenging Trump’s plans didn’t even have standing to sue because the project was within the president’s authority.
“The district court seized supervision of construction at the White House, and my colleagues affirm this judicial overreach,” Rao wrote. “Because the injunction is beyond the proper province of the federal courts, construction should be allowed to continue.”
It was last fall that work on the project began, when Trump instructed contractors to tear down the East Wing in order for the new 90,000-square foot project to be built.
The president has cited a number of recent shootings in the vicinity as a reason the level of security provided by the ballroom would provide.
🚨 In a 2-1 vote, the D.C. Circuit blocked President Trump’s plan to build a new White House ballroom, ruling the administration likely cannot demolish the East Wing and begin above-ground construction without authorization from Congress. pic.twitter.com/islwZwWsco
— SCOTUS Wire (@scotus_wire) August 7, 2026
Trump’s $400 Million Ballroom Blocked By Appeals Court—Likely Sending Case To Supreme Courthttps://t.co/nUT9NunLVz pic.twitter.com/wfxIic53yl
— Forbes (@Forbes) August 7, 2026
BREAKING: The D.C. Circuit has ruled against construction of the White House ballroom, saying it requires congressional approval. Decision is delayed 14 days to permit time for appeal. https://t.co/U5dLHrSYkZ pic.twitter.com/ny8yNEuczb
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 7, 2026
Trump has cited the private donations for the ballroom itself, but has suggested that the government should pay for a number of security systems that would improve the White House plaza.
The court did allow below-ground construction to continue, as well as above-ground components needed to protect them.
