The controversy of the ballroom at the White House. Its construction was approved by an urban planning committee, but it is blocked by a judge.

Plans for the construction of a massive ballroom at the White House, initiated by President Donald Trump, were approved on Thursday by a federal urban planning commission, despite a court ruling that suspended the construction. The federal judge ordered the work to stop, affecting one of the most ambitious projects in recent decades.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), largely composed of Trump's allies, continued the review process, voting 8 to 1 in favor of the project. Trump thanked the committee on his Truth Social network, highlighting support for the ballroom, which could host up to 1,000 people.

The project has drawn criticism from architects and heritage specialists, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation intending to sue the Trump administration for failing to meet legal requirements. The project's budget has increased from $200 million to $400 million, and the government has appealed against the suspension of the court ruling.