The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to pause an order halting construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, arguing that the halt creates national security risks. In a motion filed Friday, National Park Service lawyers claimed the judge’s order threatens 'grave national-security harms' to the White House and President Donald Trump's family.
Key Takeaways
The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to pause an order halting construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, citing national security risks. Judge Richard Leon had temporarily paused the project pending congressional approval.
- Administration argues halt creates security vulnerabilities
- Project includes bomb shelters and medical facilities
- Trump pledges private donations for ballroom; taxpayers fund security measures
- Judge dismissed national security concerns as 'President’s own making'
- Legal battle continues over project's ethics and funding
The construction project includes bomb shelters, military installations, and a medical facility as part of Trump's plans to remodel Washington. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered the temporary pause on Tuesday, stating that Congress must approve the project before it can proceed. The judge acknowledged logistical issues but concluded that halting construction would not jeopardize national security.
According to The Guardian, Trump has pledged private donations to cover the ballroom costs, though taxpayers will fund underground bunkers and other security measures. The administration argues that the current open construction site makes it harder to protect the White House and that canvas tents are more vulnerable than a fortified facility.
As reported by Al Jazeera, Judge Leon dismissed concerns over national security, stating that leaving the construction site incomplete is 'a problem of the President’s own making.' The Trump administration has appealed the injunction and claims broad authority to make changes to the White House. The legal battle continues as critics question the ethics of using private donations for such a large project.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Judge Leon, who was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush, suspended enforcement of his order for 14 days to allow the administration to appeal. The judge also exempted any construction work necessary for the safety and security of the White House from the scope of the injunction.
The Trump administration is asking the appeals court to make a decision on its request by Friday, according to Los Angeles Times. It also asked that the 14-day suspension of Leon’s order be extended by two weeks so the case can be taken to the Supreme Court. The National Park Service argues in its motion that the president has 'complete authority to renovate the White House' and that the current state of the grounds, which is an open construction site, makes it harder to protect the White House.
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