politics
Trump asks Supreme Court to intervene in White House ballroom legal fight
Updated on: August 14, 2026 / 10:16 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The Trump administration is seeking Supreme Court intervention to proceed with a $400 million White House East Wing ballroom project.
- A federal appeals court previously ruled the White House lacked authority to build the project without congressional approval.
- The administration argues the project, including a secure ballroom and underground bunker, is vital for national security and President Trump's safety.
- The legal challenge questions the President's authority to undertake such renovations without explicit congressional consent, citing Congress's control over federal property and funding.
- The project is reported to be 65% complete, with underground work permitted to continue.
- President Trump has stated the funds were raised from private donors and corporations, channeled through a nonprofit and the National Park Service.
- The payment mechanism for the project has been described as a 'Rube Goldberg' machine.