In a 5-4 decision, the justices blocked lower-court orders that had paused construction of the aboveground project|G. Edward Johnson|CC BY 4.0
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump to continue building his planned White House ballroom.
In a 5-4 decision, the justices blocked lower-court orders that had paused construction of the aboveground project.
The court said the National Trust for Historic Preservation likely lacks legal standing to challenge the project. However, the justices did not decide whether Trump has the authority to build without Congress’ approval.
Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent, arguing that the construction was likely unlawful.
The Trump administration says the $400 million project is 65% complete and funded by private donations, while the National Trust disputes Trump’s authority to redesign the historic White House grounds.