Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Allows Trump's $400M White House Ballroom Project

The court's 2-1 decision permits construction to continue as the administration challenges a lower court order to halt the project.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A cinematic painting of the White House's East Wing in warm, golden light, with construction equipment in the foreground hinting at the impending loss of this architecturally significant structure.The impending demolition of the White House's historic East Wing to make way for a controversial $400 million ballroom project casts a somber shadow over the iconic presidential residence.Washington Today

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. has temporarily allowed construction on President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom project to move forward, overriding a lower court order that had halted the project. The 2-1 decision by a three-judge panel permits construction to continue through April 17 as the court examines the issue further.

Why it matters

The ballroom project has faced significant controversy, with preservationists and historians arguing that the demolition of the historic East Wing damages the architectural integrity and historical significance of the presidential residence. Critics contend the project exceeds the president's authority, while the Trump administration has defended it as a vital security measure.

The details

The federal appeals court's temporary approval allows the Trump administration to continue construction on the $400 million ballroom project, which would be located above a White House bunker. A lower court had previously ordered construction to stop on April 14, but the appeals court's 2-1 decision has now lifted that restriction through April 17 as the legal battle continues.

  • The federal appeals court issued its 2-1 decision on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The lower court had ordered construction to stop on April 14, 2026.
  • The appeals court's temporary approval allows construction to continue through April 17, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who initiated the $400 million White House ballroom project.

U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia

The federal appeals court that issued the 2-1 decision temporarily allowing construction on the ballroom project to continue.

Lower Court

The lower court that had previously ordered construction on the ballroom project to stop on April 14, 2026.

Preservationists and Historians

Critics of the ballroom project who argue the demolition of the historic East Wing damages the architectural integrity and historical significance of the White House.

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What they’re saying

“The ballroom, which is located above a bunker, is 'a vital project for the safety and security of the White House and the President, his family, and his staff.'”

— President Donald Trump

What’s next

The federal appeals court will continue examining the legal issues surrounding the ballroom project, with a decision expected after April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The temporary approval of Trump's controversial $400 million White House ballroom project by the federal appeals court highlights the ongoing legal and political battles over the president's authority to undertake major renovations to the historic presidential residence, with preservationists and historians continuing to voice strong opposition.