Chief Justice Lets Work Continue on Ballroom

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has given a temporary green light to President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom, letting work continue while the full court weighs an emergency appeal, reports NBC News. The order pauses lower-court rulings that said the massive project needed congressional approval and were set to shut it down on Friday, per the AP.

The Trump administration argues the president has sweeping authority over federal buildings and says the 90,000-square-foot ballroom—and underground bunker—is essential for national security. Preservationists, led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, counter that Trump overstepped his powers and accuse the White House of racing to finish construction, which is reportedly 65% complete, before the courts can intervene. No word yet on when the full Supreme Court will rule.