WASHINGTON — The federal commission examining President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom construction proposal has postponed its decision until April 2nd, according to the panel’s chairman during Thursday’s proceedings.
Will Scharf, who chairs the National Capital Planning Commission and serves as a senior advisor to the Republican president, revealed the scheduling change at the beginning of the panel’s March session.
The commission was expected to render its decision on Thursday after hearing additional project information from White House representatives and commission staff members.
However, Scharf announced the vote would be delayed until April to accommodate all citizens wishing to provide input. The overwhelming response — with over 100 individuals registering to speak — prompted the meeting to move to an online format.
The commission has received numerous written submissions regarding Trump’s proposal for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to be constructed where the former East Wing previously existed. The president has stated the $400 million project will be funded through private contributions. Trump ordered the East Wing’s demolition in October.
Scharf explained the virtual meeting format would facilitate the public testimony process, which he anticipated could continue into Friday due to the substantial number of registered speakers.
“They are taking time out of what I presume are busy schedules to join us,” he stated. “One way or the other, we are going to make sure that members of the public have the opportunity to be heard on this project.”
Project opponents have criticized Trump for proceeding with the East Wing demolition before obtaining approval from both the National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The fine arts commission granted its approval last month.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, operating as a private nonprofit organization, petitioned a federal court to suspend construction activities until proper submissions were made to both federal commissions and Congress, while also ensuring public input opportunities.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied this request last week, prompting the trust to announce plans for filing a revised legal challenge.
