The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has granted an administrative stay, allowing construction of a new White House ballroom and presidential bunker to continue. This decision overrides an earlier order by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who temporarily halted most above-ground construction due to national security concerns. The next hearing is scheduled for June 5, which suggests work will proceed until at least then, as the court reviews the case.

The Justice Department argued that stopping the construction could compromise national security, describing the project as a critical military and security measure. President Donald Trump, who announced the project last summer, strongly supports its completion, calling it essential for national security and criticizing Judge Leon’s earlier ruling as politically motivated. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over presidential security enhancements and historic preservation efforts, including legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation opposing certain developments at the White House.