By Peter Charalambous and Steven PortnoyA federal appeals court issued a ruling Friday blocking the construction of President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, concluding that congressional approval is needed for the project. Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia rebuked President Trump for making the unprecedented changes to the historic structure without consulting Congress. "Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence. White House Ballroom construction continues Aug. 5, 2026, at the White House in Washington.Tierney L. Cross/AP PhotoJudge Neomi Rao dissented from the majority, concluding that the National Trust for Historic Preservation does not have the jurisdiction to bring the lawsuit. The White House announced the construction of the 90,000-square foot ballroom last July, and demolition began suddenly on the East Wing in late October when workers were spotted tearing down that wing of the White House.