Donald Trump says the ballroom is "one big, expensive, and very complex unit" for national security

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed President Trump to keep building a large ballroom on the site of the White House’s demolished East Wing, at least temporarily, without having to gain prior authorization from Congress. The project is projected to require at least $300 million in public funds, despite Trump’s past assurances that taxpayers would not pay. It is expected to span 90,000 square feet, roughly double the size of the core White House building. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed suit, arguing the East Wing, once used for first ladies’ offices, cannot be replaced without lawmakers’ consent. Federal courts had split on the dispute. Trump says the venue is needed for hosting foreign leaders and will include protected shelters, medical facilities, sniper posts, and a drone landing zone. In a social media message, he described the venture as one interconnected, costly, and elaborate system indispensable to American defense and military operations. Construction began in July, restricting public access near the White House. An April poll found 56% opposed replacing the East Wing with the ballroom.