A US appeals court has ruled that construction of a planned US$400 million ballroom at the White House must stop unless Congress approves the project. The decision was made by a three-judge panel from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Saturday. The proposed ballroom would cover about 8,400 square metres and is planned for the site of the former East Wing. President Donald Trump said he would appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court.
The court ruled by two votes to one in favour of groups that want to protect historic places. The judges said Congress must decide whether the large ballroom can be built. Construction has already begun above ground, while some underground work can continue. The Trump administration has argued that the project includes important security features.
Trump said the building would include facilities such as shelters and medical areas to help protect the president and others. He has also said private donations would pay for the project. However, Congress rejected a request for US$1 billion for the ballroom earlier this year. The National Trust for Historic Preservation brought the legal challenge, saying only Congress can approve the construction.
The White House ballroom would be one of the biggest changes to the building in more than 70 years. The court has paused its decision for 14 days to give the administration time to appeal. The case shows how courts and Congress can play a role in decisions about major government projects. The final decision about whether the ballroom can be built may now be made by the US Supreme Court.
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