Donald Trump's administration turned to the Supreme Court to try to keep construction of the controversial White House ballroom on track, a project currently valued at $400 million that faces a legal battle due to a lack of authorization from Congress.
The government presented an emergency request this Friday before the magistrates to suspend the order that stops part of the works on the ground. The measure is scheduled to take effect on August 21, so the White House is seeking a response before that date, AP reported.
The White House argues security reasons
Attorney General John Sauer called the lower courts' decision “extraordinary and illegal” and argued that stopping construction could compromise the safety of the president, his family and visitors to the presidential complex.
In its argument, the government also referenced recent threats against Trump. The administration maintains that the new complex incorporates infrastructure intended to strengthen the protection of the White House and that stopping the project when it is already advanced would cause additional risks.
According to the petition presented to the Supreme Court, construction is approximately 65% complete and about $200 million has already been spent or committed. The agency confirmed the percentage of progress and noted that the works have been taking place for around 10 months.
The government also maintains that the project is “on time” and “under budget,” and maintains that the ballroom will be financed with private contributions.
Congress, at the center of the dispute
The conflict began after the National Trust for Historic Preservation sued the government over the demolition of the East Wing and the construction of the new space.
A federal court determined that Trump did not have sufficient authority to make a change of that magnitude without authorization from Congress. A federal appeals court later upheld the decision by a 2-1 vote.
The National Trust has defended that the project can be carried out, but within the legal framework. Its president, Carol Quillen, previously maintained that building the hall legally requires authorization from Congress.
The White House, however, insists that presidents have historic powers to modify and maintain the executive residence.
The Supreme Court must now decide whether to allow the works to continue while the merits of the litigation are resolved.
