The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 Monday to allow President Donald Trump to continue construction on his controversial $400 million White House ballroom, rejecting lower court findings that the project likely violates federal law and raising the likelihood the luxury venue will be completed before the end of his term.

The decision permits above-ground work to resume on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which is being built to replace the East Wing that Trump demolished last fall. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court's three liberal justices in dissent, marking a rare alignment on a case involving presidential powers.

Trump praised the ruling in a post on his Truth Social platform Monday evening, calling it "a great day for America and for beautiful architecture." The ballroom, which crews have been constructing around the clock for months, is now expected to be completed by August 2028, according to court documents filed by the administration.

Legal Challenge Dismissed on Standing Grounds

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, concluded that the plaintiff—a neighboring property owner who filed suit challenging the project—lacked standing to bring the case. The court did not address whether the ballroom violates the National Historic Preservation Act or federal appropriations law, the central claims in the lawsuit.

Two lower federal courts had previously ruled that the demolition of the East Wing and construction of the ballroom appeared to break multiple federal statutes. A district judge in Washington issued a temporary restraining order in June halting above-ground construction, which Roberts had stayed pending the Supreme Court's final decision.

Legal experts told Bloomberg and Axios that Monday's ruling effectively ends judicial oversight of the project. "This is likely the final word," said Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University. "The court has cleared the way for the ballroom to proceed unimpeded."

Project Details and Controversy

The White House ballroom is one of the most expensive and ambitious renovation projects in the executive mansion's history. Administration officials have said the space will host state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and other official events, arguing that the current White House lacks adequate facilities for large-scale entertaining.

Critics have questioned both the legality and propriety of the project. The East Wing, which Trump demolished to make way for the ballroom, housed offices for the First Lady, her staff, and the White House social secretary. It also contained the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and portions of the colonnade connecting the main residence to the East Wing entrance.

Congressional Democrats have repeatedly demanded hearings on how the project is being funded and whether Trump personally profits from construction contracts, but Republican committee chairs have declined to hold oversight hearings.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation opposed the demolition and construction, arguing that it irreparably damages the historic character of the White House complex. The trust was not a party to the lawsuit and thus was unable to challenge the Supreme Court ruling.

Construction crews are currently working 20 hours a day on the project, according to court filings. The ballroom will feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the South Lawn, a retractable roof, and gold-leaf detailing throughout.