The US Supreme Court has allowed Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project to continue, handing the US president a major legal victory.

The court ruled 5-4 on Monday to lift a lower-court order that had stopped construction. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissent.

The controversial project involves the construction of a large ballroom at the White House after the demolition of the historic East Wing.

Opponents have accused the Trump administration of bypassing Congress and acting unlawfully.

However, the Supreme Court said the legal battle is not over. The court did not issue a final ruling on whether the project itself is lawful.

Instead, construction can continue while the case proceeds through the lower courts.

The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The organisation argues that the project could cause cultural and historical harm.

The court’s majority questioned whether the group had the legal standing to bring the case.

The project also includes a military facility beneath the planned ballroom. Trump has defended the development as necessary for hosting major events and strengthening national security.

For now, construction can move forward as the wider legal dispute continues.