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US appeals court halts Trump White House ballroom plan
A federal appeals court has blocked Donald Trump's plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, ruling 2-1 that the president cannot proceed without congressional approval. Trump called the decision…
The Story in Brief
A federal appeals court has blocked Donald Trump's plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, ruling 2-1 that the president cannot proceed without congressional approval. Trump called the decision a 'national disgrace' and vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court. The court stayed its order for two weeks to allow the appeal.
Trump argues the ballroom is a national security project with bomb shelters and military facilities. The court rejected this, saying national security is not an 'automatic get-out-of-the-law-free card'. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sued over the project, welcomed the ruling. Underground security-related construction may continue.
The Indian Opinion
Trump's portrayal of the ballroom ruling as a threat to national security is a clear exaggeration. The court did not question the need for security upgrades; it only said the president needs Congress's approval for major White House changes. Both sides have a point: the judiciary is checking executive overreach, but the president's security concerns deserve a proper hearing. The real test is whether the Supreme Court will take the case and uphold the separation of powers.
Sources (2): livemint.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
