The Trump administration submitted a request to the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday to approve the completion of a ballroom and an underground security bunker at the White House, asserting that the project is vital for national security.
Solicitor General John Sauer filed an emergency appeal with the conservative-majority Supreme Court, which includes three justices appointed by President Donald Trump.
Last year, Trump ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House to build a large ballroom. However, the project has been delayed in lower courts.
A federal appeals court last week upheld a lower court’s order to stop construction but temporarily paused their ruling to allow the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed that such a comprehensive renovation of the White House requires explicit congressional approval.
Following the ruling, Trump criticized the decision, calling it “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful,” and announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Initially, Trump claimed the ballroom was necessary for hosting galas and state dinners, but he has since emphasized the addition of an underground military bunker and other security features.
In the appeal, Sauer highlighted security concerns, stating, “This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that would halt the ongoing construction of a secure military complex, including a fully protected ballroom, at the East Wing of the White House, which is essential for national security.”
He added, “The President of the United States is not just a tenant but the elected head of the Executive Branch. Congress has authorized him to renovate and secure the White House and its grounds, just as previous presidents have done, without exception.”
Construction began last year after the sudden demolition of the East Wing, which formerly housed the First Lady’s offices.
Although Trump has insisted that the ballroom would be privately funded, reports from June indicated significant taxpayer money was allocated to the project, which could cost up to $600 million.
The ballroom is part of Trump’s broader efforts to leave his mark on Washington, alongside plans to refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, other parks, and to build a massive arch.
Several of these projects have faced legal hurdles, but the ballroom is the first to be taken directly to the Supreme Court.