U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

“Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help,”

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit · said 2026-08-07 · reported 2026-08-08

The appeals court ruled that Trump cannot build the White House ballroom without congressional approval.

“is that the Defendants may not do so during the district court’s expeditious litigation without securing Congress’s authorization, as the Constitution and laws require.”

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit · said 2026-08-07 · reported 2026-08-08

The court stated the administration may not construct the ballroom during litigation without Congress's authorization.

“This holding has nothing at all to do with whether the proposed ballroom is desirable, or not, as a matter of policy. This ruling does not even necessarily mean that the Defendants may not ultimately construct the ballroom.”

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit · said 2026-08-07 · reported 2026-08-08

The court emphasized its ruling was about congressional authorization, not the merits of the ballroom project.

“What it does mean,”

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit · said 2026-08-07 · reported 2026-08-08

The court continued its written opinion explaining that the defendants must secure congressional authorization.