U.S. asks appeals court to pause judge's halt on Trump White House ballroom over security

Insights

• National Park Service asked a federal appeals court to suspend a judge's order that stopped construction of the $400 million White House ballroom, saying the pause creates grave national security risks.
• The administration says the project includes fortified features such as underground bunkers, bomb shelters, military installations and a medical facility.
• U.S. District Judge Richard Leon temporarily paused construction, finding the preservationist plaintiffs are likely to succeed because no statute clearly gives the President the authority claimed, and he stayed enforcement for 14 days to allow an appeal.
• Leon reviewed classified or sensitive information and said halting construction would not jeopardize security, while exempting work necessary for White House safety from the injunction.
• The administration asked the appeals court for a decision by Friday and requested an additional two weeks on Leon's 14-day stay to allow time to seek Supreme Court review.
• President Trump said some security work will continue and has said he and private donors will cover ballroom costs, while the government notes some security-related work may be taxpayer funded.