The US Supreme Court has ruled that construction of a $400m White House ballroom can continue while a lawsuit challenging it proceeds, with Chief Justice John Roberts dissenting alongside three liberal justices.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court allowed construction of a White House ballroom to continue as a lawsuit proceeds.
- Al Jazeera reported the project carries a $400m price tag.
- Chief Justice John Roberts dissented with three liberal justices, saying the construction is 'likely unlawful.'
- The decision replaces a temporary order issued earlier in the month.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation argued the president lacked authority to proceed.
The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump to continue building a new White House ballroom, allowing construction to proceed while a legal challenge over the project works its way through the courts, according to reporting from CNBC, the BBC and Al Jazeera.
The ballroom project carries an estimated price tag of $400m, according to Al Jazeera. The court’s decision replaces a temporary order that had been issued earlier in the month.
The ruling was not unanimous. Chief Justice John Roberts dissented alongside three liberal justices, writing that “that construction is likely unlawful,” according to CNBC.
At the center of the dispute is a challenge brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued that the president did not have the authority to proceed with the construction, the BBC reported.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, work on the ballroom may continue for now, but the underlying lawsuit remains active. The court’s order addresses whether construction can go on during the litigation rather than resolving the core legal questions raised by the challenge.
The outcome of the ongoing lawsuit will ultimately determine the fate of the project, even as building work continues in the meantime.
Why it matters
The decision affects one of the highest-profile properties in the United States and touches on questions of presidential authority over changes to the White House. A dissent from the Chief Justice signals that significant legal doubts remain even as construction moves forward.
Frequently asked questions
Can construction on the White House ballroom continue now?
Yes. The Supreme Court cleared the way for construction to continue while the lawsuit proceeds, replacing a temporary order issued earlier in the month.
How much does the ballroom project cost?
According to Al Jazeera, the White House ballroom project carries an estimated cost of $400m.
Who is challenging the project and why?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation brought the challenge, arguing that the president did not have the authority to proceed with construction, according to the BBC.