...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A federal arts panel made up entirely of President Donald Trump’s appointees on Thursday approved his proposal to build a massive new ballroom on the White House grounds, clearing a key hurdle for a project that would replace the former East Wing with a structure larger than the White House itself.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted twice in favor of the design during a virtual meeting, first approving the concept and then unexpectedly granting final approval. The 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House and capable of hosting about 1,000 people, far exceeding the capacity of the East Room, which holds just over 200.
The vote marked a significant step forward for Trump’s $400 million plan, though another federal agency and the courts still play a role in determining whether construction proceeds.
Read More on News
...
Another Federal Panel Still Reviewing the Project
The fine arts commission is among two federal bodies required to sign off on major changes to government buildings in the Washington region. The National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees construction and major renovations in the capital, is also reviewing the proposal and scheduled to discuss it further at a March 5 meeting.
That panel, led by a senior White House aide, heard an initial presentation on the ballroom in January. At that meeting, White House officials defended their decision to demolish the East Wing before approvals were finalized, citing structural instability and long‑standing deterioration.
Surprise Vote Moves Project Forward Faster Than Expected
Commission members had originally planned to review the design concept Thursday and vote on final approval at their next meeting. But after the panel voted 6‑0 to approve the design, Chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr. unexpectedly made a motion to grant final approval immediately.
Six of the seven commissioners voted again in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or votes because he had previously served as the project’s architect before Trump replaced him.
All six voting commissioners were appointed by Trump in January, following the expiration of prior members’ terms.
East Wing Demolition Sparks Backlash
The ballroom is planned for the site of the former East Wing, which Trump quietly ordered demolished in October without public notice. The move drew criticism from some lawmakers, historians and preservationists, who argued the president should have waited until federal agencies, Congress and the public had an opportunity to review the plan.
Critics also questioned whether the demolition violated long‑standing norms governing historic federal property and accused the White House of sidelining public input.
The White House has defended the decision, saying preservation was not feasible due to structural concerns, including an unstable colonnade, water leaks, mold contamination and other issues. Josh Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, said those problems made retaining the building unsafe.
Supporters Argue Ballroom Is Needed for State Events
Commission members offered mostly complimentary remarks ahead of the votes, echoing one of Trump’s core arguments for the project: the need for a permanent, large‑scale entertaining space at the White House.
For decades, administrations have erected temporary structures on the South Lawn to host state dinners and major diplomatic events. Trump has repeatedly criticized those setups as tents unworthy of hosting foreign leaders.
“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”
Trump has promoted the ballroom as a lasting upgrade that would eliminate the need for temporary installations and project a stronger image on the world stage.
Public Comments Overwhelmingly Opposed
Despite the panel’s support, public response to the project was overwhelmingly negative.
Members of the public were invited to submit written comments ahead of the meeting. Thomas Luebke, the commission’s secretary, said more than 2,000 messages were received in the past week, with “over 99%” opposing the project.
Luebke summarized the feedback for commissioners, noting widespread concerns about Trump’s unilateral demolition of the East Wing, a lack of transparency around funding and unanswered questions on the awarding of construction contracts.
Supporters of the project, though few, argued that the White House needs a modern space capable of hosting large international gatherings and said the ballroom would enhance the nation’s global image.
Trump Defends Project, Says It’s Too Late to Stop
Trump has aggressively defended the ballroom in recent social media posts, sharing drawings of the proposed structure and insisting the project is already too far along to reverse.
In a January post, Trump said most of the building materials had already been ordered and warned that abandoning the plan was not an option.
“There is no practical or reasonable way to go back,” Trump wrote. “IT IS TOO LATE!”
He has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be funded entirely through private donations, though the White House has released only an incomplete list of donors.
Preservation Lawsuit Still Pending
Legal challenges to the project remain unresolved.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt construction. A ruling is pending.
Carol Quillen, the group’s president and CEO, said the organization was “puzzled” by the commission’s decision to grant final approval before reviewing complete plans. “With these votes, the commission bypassed its obligation to provide serious design review and consider the views of the American people,” Quillen said, pointing to the overwhelming public opposition.
While acknowledging the practical need for a larger meeting space, Quillen said the proposed ballroom’s size and placement would overwhelm the White House’s historic design.
“We remain deeply concerned that the size, location and massing of this proposal will overwhelm the carefully balanced classical design of the White House, a symbol of our democratic republic,” she said.
...
Design Changes Win Praise from Commissioners
At a January meeting, some commissioners had raised concerns about the scale of the project, even as they broadly endorsed Trump’s vision.
On Thursday, several members praised architect Shalom Baranes for revising the design to address earlier objections, including the removal of a large pediment from the south side of the building.
“I think taking the pediment off the south side was a really good move,” said Commissioner Mary Anne Carter, who also leads the National Endowment for the Arts. “It really helps to restore some balance.”
Baranes said the pediment removal was the most significant design change and that Trump personally approved it.
New Appointees Cement Trump’s Control of Panel
Trump quietly named the final two commissioners to the panel in late January, solidifying his influence over the approval process.
Pamela Hughes Patenaude previously served as deputy secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first term. Chamberlain Harris is a special assistant to the president and deputy director of Oval Office operations.
With approvals advancing and litigation still pending, the future of the ballroom now hinges on the planning commission and the courts—even as construction preparations appear to be moving ahead.
Updates: 2/19/26, 4:19 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines