President Donald Trump declared the White House ballroom project is "under budget" and "ahead of schedule" after the Supreme Court temporarily allowed construction to proceed. The high court’s order halts a lower court ruling that would have stopped above-ground work while the administration appeals.

Legal Standoff Continues

Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the Trump administration believes Congress has already authorized the construction of the planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom. Blanche told Fox News that the administration does not believe it needs to seek further congressional authorization, arguing that previous presidents undertook substantial White House work under authority Congress had already provided.

The legal challenge stems from a divided U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruling on August 7. The court determined that Trump lacked the unilateral authority to proceed, writing that "Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House." The court temporarily stayed its order to allow for an appeal to the Supreme Court.

On Friday, Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily allowed construction to continue while the Supreme Court considers the administration's emergency appeal. The order delays the lower court ruling but does not resolve the underlying legal dispute. Blanche welcomed the decision, saying the administration would "keep on building" while the case moves through the courts.

National Security And Funding Claims

Trump’s administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to keep construction moving while it appeals. Solicitor General D. John Sauer characterized the project as part of an integrated military complex, arguing that a secure ballroom is essential to national security. Blanche echoed this position, describing the ballroom as a "meaningful upgrade and necessary part of the security of this city and the security of the president and his family."

On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that "tremendous work" has been completed on the "magnificent BALLROOM/MILITARY COMPLEX." He declared that the project will give the White House and all of D.C. "Great National Security" and stated it is being paid for with "ZERO Dollars of Taxpayer Money." Trump added that "Great American Patriots and Companies are footing the entire bill."

The administration said construction was about 65% complete. Its estimated cost had risen from $200 million to $400 million and eventually about $600 million. Reports indicated taxpayers could cover roughly half of the cost. The administration disputed those claims, saying about $400 million in private donations had been secured and that no taxpayer dollars were needed.

Congressional Democrats have sought greater oversight regarding the project’s expenses. Questions persist concerning security-related appropriations and the role of private donations in funding the construction. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued after Trump ordered the East Wing demolished last fall.

Trump has repeatedly rejected the need for congressional approval and labeled the appeals-court decision a "National Disgrace." Blanche expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will side with Trump, stating, "We’re hopeful that the Supreme Court recognizes that so we can get the ballroom finished as soon as possible."

President Donald Trump plans to deploy a large portion of $850 million raised by his super PAC, MAGA Inc., to support Republican candidates in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Trump made the comments before boarding Air Force One for South Carolina, stating that the pro-Trump super PAC has raised approximately $850 million. He indicated he would use "a lot of that money" along with some of his own funds to back Republican candidates he considers strong.

Political Context and Spending Plans

Trump previously told Punchbowl News he could spend the funds on "pretty much anything" he wanted, adding, "I’m going to help Republicans." The comments come as Republicans face a potentially difficult midterm environment. Election forecasters currently favor Democrats in the House, while Republicans maintain a narrower advantage in the Senate battle.

MAGA Inc. had not spent money directly on candidates in June or July, prompting some Republicans to urge the president to begin deploying its reserves. The super PAC heavily backed Trump during the 2024 presidential election.

Other Political Spending

Elon Musk plans to spend $100 million to $120 million through his super PAC, America PAC, to support at least eight Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.

Approval Rating Trends

President Trump’s latest approval rating has climbed to a four-month high of 40%, offering a positive signal for the White House amid mixed polling. A new August Emerson College poll puts his approval at 40%, up slightly from previous months.

Trump’s approval rating stood at 39% in May, June and July, marking the lowest level recorded by Emerson College during his second term. While several recent surveys have shown Trump’s approval rating declining, the latest data indicates a rebound.

What the Numbers Show

The disparity between MAGA Inc.’s $850 million war chest and Elon Musk’s planned $100 million to $120 million contribution highlights the scale of independent super PAC funding relative to individual donor commitments in the 2026 cycle. Additionally, the rise in Trump’s approval from 39% to 40% represents a marginal improvement after three consecutive months at the lower figure.