Administration argues White House ballroom completion is national security imperative

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow the $400 million White House ballroom project to finish, arguing that completing it is a national security imperative and that delay would pose unacceptable risks. A lower court has halted the above-ground portion during ongoing litigation with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with the project now about 65% complete and underground work allowed to continue. The National Trust warns the project could become irreversible if not stopped, while the administration contends congressional action isn’t needed and opponents allege the plan could overwhelm the White House.