The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit halted above-ground construction of the proposed $400 million White House ballroom on Friday, citing the absence of congressional approval. The 2-1 ruling upheld a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration, effectively stopping work on the 90,000-square-foot structure planned for the site of the demolished East Wing. This legal setback forces the administration to secure legislative authorization before proceeding, highlighting significant constraints on executive authority regarding federal property modifications.

The majority opinion emphasized that the president does not possess unlimited authority over the White House, noting that the property belongs to the federal government rather than the individual occupant. "Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House," the judges wrote. The court clarified that the decision does not permanently prevent the construction of a ballroom but mandates that the administration obtain proper congressional approval before any further steps are taken. This distinction preserves the possibility of future development while enforcing statutory requirements for federal expenditures and alterations.

President Trump strongly criticized the ruling, describing it as a "National Disgrace" and a "National Security Threat at the highest level" in posts on Truth Social. He defended the project as essential for hosting large formal events and enhancing security, characterizing the planned structure as a "military center" equipped with bomb shelters, medical facilities, and protections against drones and missiles. Trump argued that much of the work had already been completed and paid for, asserting that the injunction undermines necessary security upgrades. He stated that the decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety.

Key Details of the Ruling

Justice Department attorney Yaakov Roth previously argued that courts should not second-guess the administration’s national security concerns, maintaining that the project was privately funded according to Reuters reports. However, the appeals court rejected this argument, prioritizing the requirement for legislative oversight. The ruling underscores the tension between executive claims of emergency security needs and established checks on presidential power regarding federal assets. The administration is expected to appeal the decision, with the ruling held for 14 days to allow time for seeking Supreme Court intervention.

Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, dissented from the majority opinion. She argued that the courts had improperly taken control of construction activities at the White House, suggesting an overreach of judicial authority into executive domain. Conversely, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which initiated the lawsuit, welcomed the decision. President Brent Leggs called it "a great day for our country" and for Americans who seek a voice in protecting historic places. The outcome reflects broader debates over historic preservation and the limits of unilateral executive action on iconic government properties.

President Donald Trump stated Friday that he would "probably get along" with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) if Democrats reclaim the House majority in November's midterm elections. The remarks signal a potential shift in legislative dynamics ahead of the pivotal vote, suggesting a more cooperative tone should the political landscape change. Trump told Punchbowl News that he views Jeffries as "a nice guy," citing a 2025 White House meeting between the two as evidence of their ability to work together.

A Shift in Tone

Trump's comments represent a notable departure from his rhetoric in May, when he labeled Jeffries a "low IQ individual" on Truth Social. That exchange occurred after Jeffries characterized a Supreme Court voting-rights ruling as "illegitimate." Jeffries responded to the earlier insults by accusing Trump of "Jeffries Derangement Syndrome," echoing a phrase Trump has frequently used against critics. Addressing the past friction, Trump attributed Jeffries's harshness to his own treatment of the Democrat, stating, "He's harsh because I'm harsh on him."

Midterm Outlook and Polling Data

The possibility of a Jeffries speakership appears increasingly plausible based on current polling data. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows Democrats leading Republicans by 8 points on the generic congressional ballot. Similarly, the Decision Desk HQ polling average places the Democratic edge at just over 6 points. These figures suggest a tightening race that could result in a transfer of power in the House.

Prediction markets reflect this trend. Polymarket, a Polygon (CRYPTO: POL)-based platform, assigns strong odds to Democrats winning the House. The market also indicates a considerable chance of a full congressional sweep for Democrats, although Republicans currently hold an edge in retaining control of the Senate. These market signals align with traditional polling, underscoring the uncertainty and potential for change in the upcoming November elections.