Trump's White House ballroom construction must halt unless Congress OKs it, judge orders

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt construction of a ballroom in the White House unless Congress approves the project. The ruling underscores a legal dispute over presidential authority: while the sitting president maintains stewardship of the residence, the judge's decision asserts that he cannot unilaterally undertake major construction work at a historic property held in public trust. The order effectively blocks the ballroom work pending congressional authorization, establishing a check on executive renovation powers at the nation's most prominent residence. The case hinges on whether presidential discretion over White House operations extends to significant structural or architectural changes, or whether such alterations require legislative oversight. The ruling could set precedent for future presidents seeking to modify the building.