The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has temporarily blocked the $400 million White House ballroom project initiated by President Donald Trump, citing that the project cannot proceed without congressional approval. In a ruling that has sparked controversy, Judge Richard Leon stated that there is no clear law authorizing the President to undertake such a project at the White House. The judge emphasized that the President is not the owner of the White House but rather its custodian for future generations, and therefore, construction work should be halted until the project receives formal congressional approval.
The Trump administration had announced plans to build a new and luxurious ballroom at the White House, which is expected to cost $200 million. However, the court ruling has put the project on hold, pending the outcome of the lawsuit. The White House has stated that the project will be completed without using taxpayer funds and within the allocated budget, and it will be one of the best structures in the world.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation organization has hailed the court’s decision as a victory for the American people, stating that the project would have had a lasting impact on the country’s historic and iconic buildings. President Trump has taken to social media to express his reaction to the ruling, labeling the organization as a left-wing extremist group. In a statement, Trump said that the project will be completed ahead of schedule and within budget, and it will be a notable achievement during his presidency.
The tensions between the US and Iran have escalated in recent weeks, with both countries accusing each other of aggression. The US and Israel have carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets, including a hospital in Tehran, where Iranian scientist Dr. Kamal Kharazi was injured. The Iranian government has vowed to retaliate against any further aggression, and the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been reported to be safe despite the US airstrikes.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on global trade, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz resulting in increased costs for international shipping. A new pipeline project is reportedly underway to bypass a strategic point in the Strait, which is controlled by Iran. The Pakistani government has denied a request by the Pakistan Super League cricket team to appeal against a ban imposed on two players accused of ball tampering.
