Officials in the administration of Donald Trump say a court order stopping construction of a planned $400 million ballroom at the White House could pose a national security threat, as government lawyers urge an appeals court to allow work on the project to continue.
Get today's headlines by email 
In a legal filing submitted on Friday, attorneys representing the United States National Park Service argued that suspending construction leaves the presidential residence in a more vulnerable position. They warned that delaying the project risks “grave national-security harms” to the president, his family and staff.
The filing urges a federal appeals court to temporarily block the ruling that halted the project while the administration pursues further legal action.
Dispute Over Construction Authority
The construction was paused earlier this week after a ruling by Richard Leon, a federal judge in Washington. He ordered a temporary halt to the ballroom project, finding that the president likely lacked the authority to carry out the work without approval from Congress.
Leon said the preservation group challenging the project was likely to succeed in its argument that federal law does not grant the president the power to undertake such extensive alterations independently.
The judge nevertheless delayed enforcement of his order for 14 days to allow the government time to appeal. He acknowledged that stopping a large construction project already underway could present logistical complications.
Leon was appointed to the federal bench by former president George W. Bush.
Security Arguments From the Administration
Lawyers for the National Park Service argued that leaving the site partially completed increases security risks around the White House grounds.
According to the court filing, the ballroom complex would include reinforced structures designed to protect against threats, including bomb shelters, military facilities and a medical unit. The administration described the planned building as a “heavily fortified” installation.
Government lawyers said the unfinished state of the construction site complicates efforts to secure the area. They noted that temporary facilities such as canvas tents — currently required for certain functions without the ballroom — are significantly more vulnerable to missiles, drones and other threats.
“Time is of the essence,” the filing said, stressing that delays could undermine efforts to strengthen security at the presidential residence.
Judge Rejects Immediate Security Concerns
In his ruling, Leon said he had reviewed classified information submitted by the government and concluded that stopping construction would not endanger national security.
He also allowed an exception in his injunction for any work considered necessary for the safety and protection of the White House complex.
Trump criticised the ruling publicly but acknowledged that security-related work could still continue. Construction linked to underground bunkers and other protective measures on the White House grounds will proceed and be funded by taxpayers.
The ballroom itself, however, is expected to be financed through a combination of Trump’s personal contributions and donations from private supporters.
Appeals Process Underway
The administration has asked the appeals court to rule on its request by Friday. It is also seeking to extend the judge’s 14-day pause on enforcing the halt so that the dispute can potentially be taken to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The legal battle comes as Trump pursues broader plans to reshape parts of Washington and modify the White House complex.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 April 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment