The administration of US President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow construction of a controversial ballroom and underground security facility at the White House to continue, arguing that the project is important to national security.
US Solicitor General John Sauer filed an emergency appeal on Friday, asking the conservative-majority Supreme Court to overturn a lower court order that halted work on the project.
The legal dispute began after Trump ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House to make way for the proposed ballroom. The project has faced opposition in federal courts, with judges questioning whether the administration had the authority to carry out such a major alteration without explicit approval from Congress.
An appeals court recently upheld the order stopping construction but temporarily paused the effect of its ruling to give the administration an opportunity to seek Supreme Court intervention.
Trump strongly criticised the decision, describing it as politically motivated and unlawful, and confirmed that his administration would take the matter to the nation’s highest court.
The White House initially presented the ballroom as a facility for hosting major events, including state dinners and official gatherings. However, the administration has increasingly highlighted the project’s planned security features, including an underground military bunker.
In the Supreme Court filing, Sauer argued that the construction formed part of an integrated security project that was necessary to protect the White House and the presidency.
“This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex.”
Sauer also argued that the president has broad authority to renovate and secure the White House and its surrounding grounds.
Construction began last year following the demolition of the East Wing, which traditionally housed offices used by the first lady.
Trump has maintained that the ballroom would be privately financed, although media reports have raised questions about the extent of taxpayer funding involved. The project has been estimated to cost as much as $600 million.
The ballroom is among several major projects associated with Trump’s efforts to reshape Washington before his second presidential term ends in January 2029. Other projects have also faced legal challenges, but the White House ballroom case is the first of them to reach the Supreme Court.
Source: AFP.
