President Donald Trump lashed out at a federal appeals court after it ordered his administration to halt construction of the $400 million ballroom.
A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Trump does not have the authority to build the ballroom without congressional approval. Trump, who has been obsessed with his White House construction projects, raged against the judges in a 456-word post on Truth Social.
He called out the two judges, appointed by former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, for ruling against him. He also included an excerpt from Judge Neomi Rao, the sole judge who dissented. Rao argued that construction should be allowed to continue, noting that the district court had "no jurisdiction" to halt it.
Trump said in his Truth Social post that the administration will be appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The Military and Secret Service are viewing this horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful ruling as a National Security threat to our Nation in that the entire Complex is being built for the protection of our Country and, additionally, all future Presidents," Trump said.
He said that the ballroom included bomb shelters, hospital and medical facilities, military facilities, "missile resistant steel," "drone-proof ceilings" and "blast-proof glass." He said the court's decision "severely jeopardizes the lives and welfare of the people who work, and will be working, at the White House."
"The Circuit Court also refused to acknowledge that the desperately needed, and totally secure Ballroom, which is being built ahead of schedule and under budget, is a Gift from President Trump and Great Patriots of the United States of America," Trump continued.
"The entire Complex, Military and all, is largely built, fabricated, and paid for. Much is already on site, or being delivered. Why didn't they bring this case long prior to construction starting? There will be no expense to the American Taxpayer. This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety," he concluded.
Trump has repeatedly argued for the need of a White House ballroom, saying that the administration requires a secure place to hold large events and gatherings. He faced widespread criticism after he ordered the demolition of the East Wing in order to build his ballroom.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.