Beyond the 806
Supreme Court lets White House continue construction on Trump’s $400 million ballroom - AP News
The Supreme Court voted 5-4 Monday to let the White House keep building a $400 million ballroom on the grounds, overriding a lower court order that would have halted construction. The decision replaces a temporary order that Chief Justice John Roberts had signed earlier this month, buying time before a court-ordered stop was set to kick in.
The decision replaces a temporary order that Chief Justice John Roberts had signed earlier this month, buying time before a court-ordered stop was set to kick in. Roberts broke with the majority and wrote publicly against the ruling, an unusual move for a sitting chief justice disagreeing with his own court's outcome.
The project itself is striking in scale. A ballroom addition to the White House would rank among the most expensive single construction projects ever attached to the executive residence. The lawsuits challenging it are still working through the courts, meaning Monday's ruling does not settle the underlying legal questions. It only clears the way for shovels to keep moving while those fights continue.
For people watching how presidential power gets exercised, the case matters beyond blueprints and budgets. A divided Supreme Court siding with the executive branch on a contested construction project, over the public objection of the chief justice, signals something about where the court's majority currently stands on executive authority. Legal observers will be parsing Roberts's written dissent for months.
Common questions
What did the Supreme Court decide about the White House ballroom?
- The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow construction on a $400 million White House ballroom to continue, overriding a lower court order that would have halted the project. The ruling replaces a temporary pause Chief Justice John Roberts had signed earlier this month.
Why did Chief Justice Roberts disagree with the ruling?
- Roberts broke with the majority and wrote publicly against the decision - an unusual move for a sitting chief justice. He had previously signed a temporary order buying time before a court-ordered construction stop was set to take effect, signaling his reservations about the project proceeding.
Stay in the loop
Weekly Lubbock news, deals, and events. Free.
Read next
At state education board, Texans debate how Islam should be portrayed in high school history classes - Community Impact
JD Vance reacts to airstrike that killed four at Iran wedding: ‘Things happen’ - The Guardian
ICE officer charged with lying to investigators in the shooting of Venezuelan man, AP source says - AP News