Trump administration appeals court order halting White House ballroom construction, appeals court grants temporary stay

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ordered a halt to above-ground construction on Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, ruling that congressional approval is required. The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal arguing the halt creates national security risks, citing bomb shelters, drone-proof materials, and fortified structures planned for the site. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit granted an administrative stay allowing construction to continue until a hearing scheduled for June 5.