White House Fires Fine Arts Advisers as Trump’s $300 Million Ballroom Plans Advance
In a major shake-up, the White House has fired all six members of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, the federal body responsible for advising on architectural and aesthetic matters.
The move comes as President Donald Trump pushes forward with plans to build a $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the White House grounds.
East Wing Demolished for New Ballroom
Just one week ago, the entire East Wing of the White House was demolished to make space for the proposed ballroom — a move that has sparked outrage among preservationists, historians, and former political figures, including Hillary Clinton.
The new ballroom, which would nearly double the size of the current White House footprint, is designed to host major state events, galas, and international summits.
However, critics argue that such a massive structure would “overwhelm the White House itself,” which currently spans only 55,000 square feet.
Commission Members Replaced with ‘America First’ Picks
A White House official confirmed that new members would soon be appointed to the Fine Arts Commission, saying the administration wanted advisers who are “more aligned with President Trump’s America First policies.”
The commission, created by Congress in 1910, traditionally provides guidance on the design of federal buildings, monuments, and other public structures.
The mass dismissal has raised concerns about political interference in what has historically been an apolitical advisory body.
Preservationists Demand a Review
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and other advocacy groups have called for the administration to halt construction until it undergoes the legally required public review process.
In a letter to multiple agencies, Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, emphasized that the ballroom’s scale and placement should be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts before work proceeds.
She warned that the massive 90,000-square-foot structure could diminish the historic integrity of one of America’s most iconic buildings.
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
The project has ignited fierce debate across Washington. Supporters claim the ballroom will become a “symbol of American excellence”, while critics view it as an extravagant vanity project that undermines the White House’s historic charm.
With the fine arts advisers dismissed and construction already underway, it remains to be seen whether opposition from preservation groups can slow down Trump’s ambitious vision for the White House.
Leave a Reply