Supreme Court Allows White House Ballroom Construction to Proceed
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in a 5-4 decision that construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House can proceed, despite ongoing legal challenges. The unsigned majority opinion found that the preservationist group challenging the project likely lacked standing to sue.
This decision replaces an earlier temporary order by Chief Justice John Roberts, who had paused construction on August 21, 2026. The initial injunction, issued by Judge Richard Leon on March 31, 2026, had blocked above-ground work, citing a lack of congressional authorization, but allowed below-ground construction related to national security.
The D.C. Circuit Court had affirmed Leon's injunction but provided a 14-day stay for an appeal to the Supreme Court. The ballroom project, estimated at $400 million, is approximately 65% complete, with about $200 million in private donations already committed or spent. Construction crews have been working 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
In dissent, Chief Justice Roberts, joined by three liberal justices, described the construction as “likely unlawful.” Meanwhile, Solicitor General D. John Sauer defended the project as “vitally required by national security.”