On Tuesday, President Trump took decisive action by firing all six sitting members of the Commission of Fine Arts, a board that oversees architectural standards in Washington, D.C. This move comes as the president prepares to launch a series of significant building projects in the capital, including an ambitious plan for a new White House ballroom. CBS News has confirmed these developments, which signal a shift in architectural oversight aligned with Trump's America First Policies.
A White House official stated that they are gearing up to appoint a new slate of commission members who better reflect the current administration's vision. The Commission of Fine Arts previously comprised six members, all appointed during the tenure of former President Joe Biden. This recent ousting of members echoes actions taken by the Biden administration, which replaced at least six members of the same commission who were appointed during Trump’s first term.
President Trump's administration is poised to leave a significant mark on Washington, D.C., with plans to replace the White House's East Wing with a sprawling 90,000-square-foot ballroom and to construct a massive triumphal arch across the river from the city. In August, Trump signed an executive order titled Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again, which mandates that classical architectural styles, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, become the default for future buildings in the D.C. area.
The Commission of Fine Arts is one of several pivotal boards that reviews and approves construction projects in the capital, working alongside the National Capital Planning Commission. In July, Trump appointed three new members to the latter commission, including Chair William Scharf, who serves as a White House aide. However, it remains uncertain whether the plans for the new ballroom will be submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts, which has overseen previous White House projects.
Trump's push for construction has elicited a mixed response from the public and various stakeholders. The recent decision to demolish the East Wing, despite Trump's earlier assurances that the ballroom project would not affect the existing structure, has drawn criticism. Historic preservation groups are urging the Trump administration to adhere to the standard approval processes for such a significant project.
This ballroom project represents one of the most substantial alterations to the White House in modern history, according to Democratic Representatives Jared Huffman, Robert Garcia, and Yassamin Ansari, who expressed their concerns in a letter to the president. They criticized the decisions made without public consultation or proper transparency.
In response to the backlash, the White House has labeled the criticism as a form of manufactured outrage, arguing that past presidents have also made changes to the White House complex. The administration defends the ballroom project as a necessary enhancement to a facility that currently lacks adequate large event spaces.
During a recent dinner honoring private donors who are contributing to the $300 million ballroom project, Trump expressed his enthusiasm about the project's progress. He noted, “You can start tonight,” showcasing his familiarity with real estate development. “You have zero zoning conditions. You're the president,” he remarked to the attendees, highlighting the unique position he holds in advancing his vision for the White House.
