1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Congress needs to act now to stop Trump's illegal White House ballroom and address the Supreme Court's decision to let construction continue despite a federal appeals court ruling that it violates the law. Chief Justice Roberts issued a stay that overrides a clear 2-1 ruling from the D.C. Circuit: Congress holds "exclusive authority to regulate the construction and demolition of White House structures," and Trump never got that approval. The Supreme Court just handed the executive branch a blank check to demolish a national landmark while the courts catch up. This project started at $200 million, ballooned to $600 million, and taxpayers are on the hook for half of it. Trump gutted the White House's East Wing and broke his own promise that construction "won't interfere with the current building." The National Trust for Historic Preservation has argued compellingly that Trump is deliberately racing to finish construction before any court can stop him. By the time the Supreme Court issues a final ruling, the damage may be irreversible. Congress must pass legislation explicitly requiring congressional approval for any major White House structural changes and defund this project immediately. The courts have already said this is illegal. Now it's your turn to act.