A US federal appeals court has blocked construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, a project personally championed by former President Donald Trump. The ruling, reported by Sky News on Friday, halts work on the planned venue and sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court showdown.
Trump reacted angrily to the decision, describing it as "horrendous" and demanding that the nation's highest court overturn the ruling, according to The Independent. The appeals court determined that Trump is unlawfully constructing the ballroom, as reported by CNN, though the specific legal basis for the decision was not detailed in the initial reports.
The case has drawn significant attention because it involves a former president undertaking major construction at the official residence and workplace of the US head of state. The Guardian noted that the appeals court's action effectively pauses the project, which has been a focal point of Trump's post-presidency activities. BBC News confirmed that the legal setback clears a path for the dispute to reach the Supreme Court, where Trump has indicated he wants the matter resolved.
The ballroom project, estimated to cost $400 million, has been a source of controversy since its inception, with questions raised about its scope and legality. The appeals court's intervention marks a significant legal hurdle for Trump, who has framed the construction as a priority.
Observers will now watch whether the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case and, if so, how the justices rule on the legality of the project. The outcome could determine whether the ballroom is ever completed or remains a stalled initiative tied up in litigation.
