‘Ludicrous’: Legal expert slams DOJ’s ballroom argument

0 June 6, 2026 17:52

President Donald Trump’s push to construct a massive ballroom at the White House without congressional approval was sharply questioned by a federal appeals court on Friday during a high-stakes hearing in a case testing the president’s power.

A Justice Department attorney argued that no court would have the power to order Trump to tear down the ballroom. He went on to say that he thought construction could only be frustrated by an act of Congress and that courts had no independent role to play in disputes over the ballroom.

0:00 Federal judge questions DOJ attorney on ballroom project
0:18 "Ludicrous": CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams reacts to DOJ argument
1:04 Judge poses hypothetical: Could Trump bulldoze Statue of Liberty?
2:12 Williams: "These are such basic facts and we’re in the Upside-Down right now, having to explain something so painfully simple"
2:23 Politico’s Josh Gerstein speaks with Laura Coates about appellate hearing on ballroom project
3:36 "It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission", but is it legal?
7:09 Trump shifts to pet projects as public approval continues to slide

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