White House Ballroom Battle Heats Up | Little Rock News

Chief Justice John Roberts has temporarily blocked a court order halting construction of President Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom, allowing work to resume as the Supreme Court weighs whether the president can unilaterally approve such renovations. The administration argues national security demands the project finish, citing past court victories on emergency rulings—even as major policies have been struck down later. Critics, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, say the move bypasses Congress and is rushed to avoid judicial review, part of a broader effort to reshape the capital. While lower courts halted aboveground work (letting underground military projects continue), a divided panel of appeals judges—two appointed by Democrats—found the issue should be handled by Congress, while a third, Trump-appointed judge ruled the preservation group lacked standing. The Solicitor General called the halt “unlawful,” insisting the ballroom is “vitally required by national security.” The case now heads back to the Supreme Court for final resolution. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6f251f6df1be696c