Federal judges allow White House ballroom construction to continue for now

Judges instruct lower court to seek more information on national security claims

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:52pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting the White House at dusk, with the East Wing demolished and construction equipment visible, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The ongoing construction of a new White House ballroom raises concerns over historic preservation and national security claims.Washington Today

A panel of federal judges has allowed construction to continue on President Donald Trump's planned $400 million White House ballroom project, while instructing a lower court that temporarily halted the project to seek more information on whether a pause poses a national security risk as Trump claims.

Why it matters

The White House has argued that the ballroom construction is necessary for national security upgrades, but critics have questioned these claims and cited the administration's shifting justifications for the project. The court's decision allows construction to proceed while the legal battle continues.

The details

The three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit consists of Patricia Ann Millett, an Obama appointee; Bradley Garcia, a Biden appointee; and Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee. Rao dissented, arguing that the plaintiff, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, lacks standing to sue. The panel instructed U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who ordered a halt to the project in March, to clarify how his earlier ruling 'will ensure safety and security pending litigation'.

  • In March, Judge Leon ordered a halt to the project until the White House obtains approval from Congress.
  • The White House immediately appealed Leon's order, saying that halting work would imperil Trump, his family, and White House staff.
  • The three-judge panel issued its order on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Patricia Ann Millett

A judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, appointed by President Barack Obama.

Bradley Garcia

A judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, appointed by President Joe Biden.

Neomi Rao

A judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Richard Leon

A U.S. District Judge who ordered a halt to the White House ballroom project in March.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit charged by Congress with helping to preserve historic buildings, which filed the lawsuit challenging the ballroom construction.

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What’s next

The lower court, led by Judge Richard Leon, has been instructed to provide more information on how a construction pause would impact national security.

The takeaway

The court's decision allows the controversial White House ballroom project to continue for now, while the legal battle over its necessity and impact on historic preservation continues. The administration's claims of national security threats will face further scrutiny as the case proceeds.