The administration of Donald Trump is asking a federal appeals court to pause a judge’s order that halted construction of a planned $400 million ballroom at the White House, arguing the decision poses national security risks.
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In a motion filed Friday, lawyers for the National Park Service said the halt to construction creates vulnerabilities at the presidential residence, which is currently an active construction site.
The filing argues that the judge’s order is “threatening grave national-security harms to the White House, the President and his family, and the President’s staff.”
“Time is of the essence!” the lawyers wrote, citing ongoing work to install materials for a “heavily fortified” facility. According to the filing, the ballroom project includes security-related features such as bomb shelters, military installations and a medical facility.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the temporary halt earlier in the week, ruling that the project likely requires congressional approval. The decision came after a preservation group filed suit to block construction.
Leon concluded that “no statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have,” signaling that the administration may have exceeded its legal authority in advancing the project.
However, the judge delayed enforcement of his ruling for 14 days, acknowledging the likelihood of an appeal and potential logistical complications of stopping an active construction site.
Leon also noted that he reviewed classified or sensitive information submitted by the government and determined that halting construction would not jeopardize national security. He allowed exceptions for any work deemed necessary to maintain the safety and security of the White House.
Despite the temporary pause, the administration maintains that stopping construction creates new risks. In its appeal, the National Park Service argued that the current condition of the site—partially demolished and under construction—makes it more difficult to secure.
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“Canvas tents, which are necessary without a ballroom, are significantly more vulnerable to missiles, drones, and other threats than a hardened national security facility,” the motion states.
The administration is requesting that the appeals court act quickly, asking for a decision by the end of the week. It also seeks to extend the 14-day pause by an additional two weeks to allow time to potentially escalate the case to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The dispute comes as the ballroom project moves forward as part of broader plans to reshape federal property in Washington. While Trump has said private donors would cover ballroom construction costs, taxpayer funds are expected to support related security infrastructure.
The outcome of the appeal could determine whether construction resumes immediately or remains stalled pending further legal review, setting up a significant test of executive authority over federal property development.
Originally reported by Associated Press and Stephen Groves in 29 News.
