US-Höchstgericht: Trump darf Ballsaal vorerst weiterbauen

The U.S. government has allowed construction of President Donald Trump’s $400 million ballroom complex at the White House to continue, despite ongoing legal challenges. The decision was made by the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of allowing work to proceed temporarily. A majority of five conservative justices concluded that the administration had sufficient grounds to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which argued the project violated historical preservation laws. The court emphasized that its ruling did not determine whether the project itself was lawful, but rather focused on procedural matters related to the plaintiff's standing to sue. Construction of the new building began after the historic East Wing of the White House was demolished in the fall of 2025, without congressional approval or a building permit. The Trump administration has long advocated for replacing the old wing with a luxury ballroom and associated infrastructure, including underground military facilities and security systems. Despite repeated interruptions due to legal disputes, the project continues to move forward. According to official documents, approximately 250 workers operate six days a week, averaging 20 hours per day, with the foundation expected to be completed by November of this year. Final completion is planned for August 2028. The controversy surrounding the project intensified when reports emerged suggesting that public funds, not just private donations, were being used to finance parts of the construction. Initially, the administration claimed the entire cost would be covered by private contributions. However, a report by The New York Times revealed that in June, the government transferred $350 million from the Secret Service budget to the ballroom project. These funds were sourced from taxpayer money, not private donors. The allocation was intended to support security features such as bulletproof glass and drone defense technology, as well as the visitor security checkpoint at the White House. This revelation sparked renewed criticism, particularly regarding the use of public funds for a presidential vanity project. Legal proceedings have been marked by conflicting rulings. In April, a federal court initially halted construction of the ballroom, citing violations of preservation laws. However, a subsequent appellate court upheld the ban, stating that altering the White House required explicit congressional authorization. Justice John Roberts, who previously paused a lower court’s order to allow the Supreme Court to review the case, expressed concern over the lack of checks and balances. He described the project as “likely unlawful” and noted that the ruling represented “no victory for the separation of powers.” Public debate has remained polarized. Supporters argue that the project represents modernization and national prestige, while critics accuse the administration of misusing taxpayer resources and undermining democratic processes. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has continued to challenge the legality of the project, arguing that the demolition of the East Wing was done without proper oversight. Meanwhile, the administration maintains that all necessary approvals were obtained and that the project aligns with broader infrastructure goals. As the construction nears completion, questions remain about the long-term implications of using public funds for such a high-profile initiative. With final construction set for late 2028, the project will likely become a focal point for further legal and political scrutiny. For now, the Supreme Court’s temporary green light allows the administration to press ahead, even as opposition grows.