A federal appeals court has dealt a blow to Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to build a new ballroom at the White House, ruling that the massive renovation requires formal approval from Congress. In a 2-1 decision, the court upheld a lower court's order to halt construction, arguing that the project—which has already involved the demolition of the historic East Wing—cannot proceed without legislative authorization. While the court granted a two-week stay to allow for an appeal, the ruling emphasizes that the decision is rooted in constitutional requirements rather than personal policy preferences.

Furious over the legal setback, Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to label the decision a "national disgrace" and a threat to national security. The former president has long defended the project as a necessary addition for hosting grand state events and has pointed to the inclusion of an underground military bunker as a justification for the work. With costs potentially ballooning to $600 million—despite claims of private financing—this high-profile project is now headed toward a likely showdown at the Supreme Court as the legal battle over executive authority intensifies.