Court Keeps White House Ballroom Project Moving Amid Legal Fight

A 2-1 ruling from the DC Circuit Court of Appeals allows work on the White House’s new East Wing ballroom to continue for at least another week (through April 17) while a district judge reviews the legality of moving ahead without explicit Congressional approval. The panel sent the case back to Judge Leon to examine the safety and national-security justifications more closely. Preservation groups argue Congress should weigh in, while the White House contends the upgrades—including security measures—are necessary. The project is roughly 89,000 square feet and is slated for completion in 2028.