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The Trump administration is contesting a judicial order that has put a stop to the construction of a $400 million ballroom, arguing that the halt poses a security threat to President Donald Trump. In response, they have asked a federal appeals court to intervene and suspend the ruling.
On Friday, attorneys from the National Park Service filed a motion emphasizing that the federal judge’s decision to pause the ballroom’s construction endangers national security. They argue it poses significant risks to the White House, President Trump and his family, as well as his staff.
The motion stresses urgency, highlighting that the planned materials for the ballroom will create a “heavily fortified” venue. The construction project, as detailed in the filing, includes bomb shelters, military installations, and a medical facility. This ballroom is a cornerstone of President Trump’s broader strategy to rapidly transform Washington.
Earlier in the week, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, based in Washington, ordered a temporary halt to the project, which involves demolishing parts of the White House’s East Wing. He determined that the preservationist group challenging the project is likely to succeed because there’s no legal statute granting the President the authority he claims for moving forward without congressional approval.
The judge has provided a 14-day window before the enforcement of his order, allowing time for the administration to appeal his decision.
Leon’s ruling and the appeal come the same week a key agency tasked with approving construction on federal property in the Washington region gave final approval to the project.
In his ruling Leon, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, suspended enforcement of his order recognizing that “halting an ongoing construction project may raise logistical issues.”
Leon also addressed national security in his ruling, saying that he reviewed information that the government privately submitted to him and concluded that halting construction wouldn’t jeopardize national security. He exempted any construction work that is necessary for the safety and security of the White House from the scope of the injunction.
Trump lashed out at the ruling, but also noted that it would allow work on underground bunkers and other security measures around the White House grounds to continue — even though those will be paid for by taxpayers. Trump has pledged that he, along with private donors, will cover the costs for the ballroom construction.
But the National Park Service argues in its motion that the president has “complete authority to renovate the White House” and the current state of the grounds, which is an open construction site, make it harder to protect the White House.
“Canvas tents, which are necessary without a ballroom, are significantly more vulnerable to missiles, drones, and other threats than a hardened national security facility,” the motion says.
The Trump administration is asking the appeals court to make a decision on its request by Friday. It also asked that the 14-day suspension of Leon’s order be extended by another two weeks so that the case can be taken to the Supreme Court.