A federal appeals court is reviewing a legal challenge to the Trump administration's plans to demolish the East Wing of the White House and construct a 90,000 square foot ballroom, according to court proceedings held on June 5.

During oral arguments before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Judge Patricia Millet questioned the scope of executive power, asking Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth whether the government could "bulldoze the Statue of Liberty" without recourse. Roth responded affirmatively, indicating the administration's position that such decisions fall within executive authority.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed the lawsuit challenging what it termed Trump's "sudden, unilateral, and unlawful decision" to proceed with the renovation project. The preservation group argues the administration failed to seek congressional approval, obtain required federal commission reviews, conduct mandatory environmental studies, or provide public input opportunities.

The Department of Justice has defended the administration's authority to proceed with the renovations without the standard approval processes. The case centers on questions of executive power and federal oversight requirements for modifications to historic government buildings.

The proposed ballroom would represent a significant expansion of White House facilities. The legal challenge highlights ongoing tensions between preservation advocates and the administration over development projects affecting historic properties.