The administration of United States President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow construction of his $400 million ballroom to move forward, seeking a stay on a lower court’s injunction.

On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) petitioned the nation's highest court to permit construction efforts to continue while litigation proceeds. The DOJ argued that the ballroom, a project of significant focus for Trump, is essential for national security and described the lower court’s injunction as "extraordinary and unlawful."

The appeal to the Supreme Court follows a ruling on August 7 by a majority on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which ordered construction halted unless the government secures congressional approval. The appeals court had set a deadline of August 21 for the construction to cease.

However, the injunction was temporarily stayed for 14 days to allow the DOJ to appeal to the Supreme Court. This appeals court decision upheld a prior order from District Court Judge Richard Leon in April, which also specifically addressed above-ground construction that alters the visible appearance of the White House. The appeals court panel stated that deciding whether to construct a "massive ballroom" is a congressional responsibility, not an executive one.

The legal battle began in December when the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit after the Trump administration demolished the East Wing of the White House and initiated work on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

Despite court rulings, Trump has insisted that work on the ballroom will continue. The project’s cost to taxpayers has reportedly increased, contrary to earlier assertions that it would be funded solely by outside donations.

Trump and his supporters contend that the new ballroom is necessary for hosting secure events, citing a series of alleged assassination attempts. Critics, however, view the ballroom plans as part of a broader effort by the president to reshape Washington, D.C., including proposals for a large triumphal arch.

Following the appeals court's injunction last week, Trump criticized the ruling. The ongoing legal dispute leaves the future of the controversial ballroom project uncertain, with the Supreme Court's decision now anticipated.