A federal appeals court in the United States has ordered the Trump administration to halt construction on a $400 million ballroom at the White House, built on the site of the former East Wing. The ruling presents a significant setback for former President Donald Trump as it tests the extent of executive authority over presidential property. Trump, who has defended the project by claiming it’s essential for national security, posted on Truth Social that the court’s ruling was “horrendous” and politically motivated. One dissenting judge, Neomi Rao—appointed by Trump—criticized the court’s decision and argued that the project should be able to proceed, asserting the injunction was an overreach of judicial authority. Overall, the case underscores ongoing tensions over presidential power, historic preservation, and national security considerations at one of America’s most symbolic sites.