Court Keeps Trump White House Ballroom Project Moving Ahead

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, allowed the Trump administration to continue building the White House ballroom, blocking lower courts from halting the aboveground portion while the case proceeds. The ruling centered on standing, saying the National Trust for Historic Preservation likely lacks a concrete injury to challenge the project and did not decide whether the president had congressional authority. Construction was about 65% complete as of Aug. 24 and funded by private donations, with security-focused underground components; Justice Roberts dissented on standing, arguing the preservationist could be aesthetically harmed.