WASHINGTON — A federal commission overseeing President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to construct an enormous ballroom where the former White House East Wing once stood is anticipated to move the project forward during Thursday’s session.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts will likely cast their vote on the architectural plans during their monthly virtual meeting. Trump appointees currently control the majority of the panel.
During last month’s January session, several commissioners raised concerns with the project’s lead architect regarding the “immense” scope and dimensions of the proposed structure, despite generally supporting Trump’s concept for a ballroom that would be approximately double the White House’s current size.
Trump’s October choice to tear down the East Wing sparked significant public backlash when demolition commenced without the standard independent assessments, Congressional authorization, and public input processes typically required for even minor changes to Washington’s historic structures.
Federal court litigation has been filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeking to stop the ballroom construction. A judicial ruling on this case remains outstanding.
Further deliberation on the proposal is slated for the National Capital Planning Commission’s March 5 session, headed by one of Trump’s senior White House staff members. This commission oversees construction projects and significant renovations to federal buildings throughout the area.
