Trump requests the U.S. Supreme Court for permission to continue the construction of a dance hall

Washington – President Donald Trump's administration today asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow it to proceed with the construction of a dance hall in the White House while appealing a lower court's decision, agencies report. The appeals court last week ordered the project at the site of the demolished east wing of the White House to be halted, stating that it must first be approved by Congress. According to the Trump administration, the dance hall, covering 8,400 square meters, will cost $400 million (8.4 billion CZK).

Justice Department lawyers reiterated the president's claim that the project is necessary for national security. "This is an extraordinary and unlawful court order that halts the ongoing construction of an integrated military complex, including a fully secured dance hall space in the east wing of the White House essential for national security," the lawyers stated regarding the appeals court decision.

The appeals court issued its decision on August 7, delaying its enforcement for two weeks to give the administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The lawsuit was filed last year by preservationists from the National Heritage Foundation after the Trump administration demolished the historic east wing of the White House in the fall and began construction in its place without Congressional approval.

Trump has called the project a security necessity this month, describing the construction as a "military center." He stated that the appeals court's decision is politically motivated, and the president indicated it puts him, along with other White House officials and visitors, at risk of attack. "The Supreme Court must completely overturn this unfair decision," Trump wrote. He stated that the dance hall project includes air defense shelters, medical facilities, protection against drones and missiles, and other security features.

The appeals court stated that arguments regarding national security do not automatically warrant violating the law. Its decision does not permanently prevent the construction of the dance hall but blocks above-ground construction until Congress approves the project.