Trump says he will appeal court ruling blocking White House ballroom to Supreme Court

On August 7, 2026, a federal appeals court ruled 2-1 that President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project, privately funded and built on the site of the demolished East Wing, requires congressional approval and ordered a halt to construction. The court stayed its order for two weeks to permit an appeal. Trump announced he would appeal directly to the Supreme Court, calling the ruling "horrendous, politically motivated and unlawful." This follows a series of legal challenges since March 2026 when preservationists sued to stop the project, with preliminary injunctions and deadline extensions. The project remains controversial, with preservationists suing to stop it.

“horrendous, politically motivated and unlawful.” — Trump's reaction to the appeals court ruling.