Supreme Court weighs legality of White House ballroom construction

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The Supreme Court is considering whether construction of a ballroom at the White House is within the president’s power, as historic preservation groups seek to block the project on an emergency basis.

Justices heard arguments Tuesday on the case.

Lawyers for the National Trust argued in court Tuesday the president needs congressional approval to build anything on federal land, especially at the White House.

Tad Heuer, counsel of record for the National Trust, said in a statement, “Rather than obtain permission from Congress, Petitioners have instead decided to try to outrun judicial review.”

The National Trust also argued the president is building the structure in a way that cannot be undone. The group said the scale of the 90,000-square-foot structure and the already completed demolition of the East Wing constitutes irreparable harm. The group also cited a potential cost of $1 billion that would likely be paid by taxpayers.

“It’s a lawsuit that should have never even been allowed to be brought. Hopefully we’ll do very well with it,” Trump said.

The Justice Department said the current deconstructed state of what used to be the East Wing is a security hazard for the rest of the White House.

The Trump administration is asking the court to make its decision before Friday.