Trump’s administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to allow construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House to continue while an appeal is pending. The request comes after a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered work on the project to stop.
The administration argues that halting the construction would leave Trump “much less safe,” citing numerous assassination attempts against him. Lawyers for the White House described the project as “vitally required by national security.” The Supreme Court’s decision could determine whether the work resumes or remains halted.
The solicitor general for the Trump administration filed the petition on Friday, asking the high court to suspend the lower court’s decision. The administration claims that forcing Trump to seek permission from Congress would be “dangerous.”
The case highlights ongoing legal battles over the project, which has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and legal experts. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the matter in the coming weeks.
