The Trump administration is fighting a federal judge's order to stop construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, claiming the delay poses a threat to presidential security.
National Park Service lawyers filed a motion Friday asking a federal appeals court to reverse the suspension, arguing that pausing the project creates risks for the president, his family, and staff. The NPS cited materials scheduled for installation that are part of the ballroom's fortified design.
The administration's request to the appeals court seeks to resume work on the facility despite the judge's earlier halt to the project. Officials did not elaborate publicly on the specific security vulnerabilities they say the construction pause creates.
The $400 million ballroom represents a major White House renovation effort, though the scope and timeline of the project remain subjects of ongoing dispute. The lower court's decision to suspend construction apparently prompted the administration's emergency appeal to higher courts.
The legal fight underscores tensions between presidential security infrastructure needs and judicial oversight of federal construction projects. The case involves questions about whether the White House renovation can proceed without meeting certain conditions the judge imposed.
It remains unclear what triggered the initial court order halting the ballroom construction or what specific concerns the judge cited. The appeals court has not yet ruled on the administration's motion to pause the lower court's order.
Comments