The Trump administration asked the US Supreme Court on Friday to allow it to complete construction of a ballroom and secure underground bunker at the White House, saying the project was essential for national security.
Solicitor General John Sauer made the request in an emergency appeal to the conservative-dominated top court, which includes three justices nominated by President Donald Trump.
Trump ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House last year to make way for a massive ballroom but the project has been tied up in the lower courts.
An appeals court last week upheld a district court order halting work on the ballroom but put its ruling on hold to allow for the administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit agreed with the lower court that such a sweeping White House overhaul required the explicit consent of Congress.
