The court determined that Congress must approve the $400 million construction project.
A panel of the D.C. Circuit Court ruled that construction on the White House ballroom may not proceed. The ruling stated that only Congress can approve changes to work done above ground at the White House. The decision provided a two-week delay to allow for the president’s administration to submit an appeal. Construction of the $400 million ballroom began after yet another assassination attempt on President Trump’s life occurred in April, citing national security concerns.
The D.C. Court of Appeals stated in the majority opinion, “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help. The National Trust has shown, compellingly, that Congress has not ceded unfettered authority to the Executive Branch to dramatically redesign, reshape, and reconstruct the White House – the People’s House – to fit a particular President’s desires.”
The opinion maintained that there was no historical precedent “in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president’s administration as next steps are considered regarding an appeal of the D.C. Circuit Court’s decision.
- For the circuit and district judges as they consider the constitutionality of President Trump’s actions and decisions.
Sources: UPI News, Townhall
