A federal appeals court has ruled that the White House may temporarily proceed with the construction of a new ballroom initiated by President Donald Trump. This decision, announced on April 11, allows the administration to continue work until April 17, providing additional time before a lower court’s suspension takes effect.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in a 2-1 decision, stated that District Judge Richard Leon must clarify several national security concerns that could impact the ongoing construction. Judge Leon previously ruled that the ballroom project could not advance without Congressional approval, although he permitted certain work to ensure the security of the White House.
Trump has argued that the ruling justifies the continuation of the project, which includes the installation of bulletproof glass, a bomb shelter, and other security enhancements. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which filed a lawsuit last year to halt the ballroom construction, has challenged Trump’s interpretation of Leon’s ruling and requested further clarification regarding the scope of the prohibition.
On Saturday, the appellate panel expressed its own inquiries, noting that Leon’s order to suspend construction came after Trump had demolished the East Wing of the White House and commenced building a new structure in its place. The National Trust reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the historical significance of the White House, facing ongoing criticism from Trump since filing the lawsuit.
The White House welcomed the appellate court’s decision and expressed hope for a complete and final vindication. On March 31, Judge Leon had blocked any further work on the $400 million ballroom project at the site of the former East Wing, determining that Trump lacked the necessary Congressional approval.
The ballroom project was first announced in July 2025, with Trump stating that it is fully funded by him and private donors. The new ballroom will replace the current East Wing, built in 1902 and remodeled multiple times. McCrery Architects, known for classical design, has been selected as the lead architect. Visualizations indicate that the ballroom will feature gold and crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and marble flooring.
Before construction can commence, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) will evaluate the building plans. The project has faced criticism from environmental groups and political opponents of Trump, who have raised concerns about oversight.
On October 24, CNN reported that the East Wing had been completely demolished, paving the way for the new ballroom. On December 4, Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation requiring NCPC approval before the demolition of any historic federal building.
On December 5, it was revealed that Trump had hired a new architect to oversee the construction of the expansive ballroom. The East Wing was demolished in October to make room for the $300 million ballroom, which Trump claims is funded by private donors. The White House has described the project as a “much-needed and elegant addition.” Since its announcement, the proposed plan has expanded from a ballroom accommodating 500 guests to a space that can host 1,350 attendees.
Project architect James McCrery expressed concerns that the 8,360 square foot ballroom would overshadow the rest of the White House. According to the White House Historical Association, the residence where the president lives and hosts guests spans 5,109.67 square feet, while the West Wing, which includes the Oval Office and other workspaces, measures 3,716.12 square feet.
Following reports of a conflict between Trump and former architect James McCrery regarding the size and scale of the addition, the White House announced that the project would be managed by Shalom Baranes Associates, with McCrery remaining as a consultant.
A federal appeals court has permitted the White House to continue construction of a new ballroom, pending further clarification on national security issues. The project, which has faced legal challenges, is set to replace the East Wing and has drawn scrutiny from preservationists and political opponents.