Trump Ballroom Postponed?
A federal arts commission has postponed its review of President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom after the administration removed several members appointed under the previous administration.
The delay comes as the White House prepares to appoint a new slate of commissioners more closely aligned with the president’s governing priorities.
Arts Commission Pauses Review
The Commission of Fine Arts was scheduled to hold an informational presentation Thursday on construction plans for the ballroom. That meeting has now been postponed, giving President Trump time to name replacement members.
According to the commission, the review will resume once the panel is fully reconstituted.
A senior White House official previously told The Hill that the administration intended to refresh the commission to better reflect an America First approach to federal projects.
Biden-Era Appointees Removed
The six commissioners who were dismissed had been appointed by former President Joe Biden, with terms extending through 2028.
The administration argues that federal advisory boards should reflect the priorities of the sitting president, particularly when reviewing major taxpayer-facing projects connected to historic government buildings.
Project Moves Forward Despite Delay
While the arts commission review has been paused, the project itself continues to advance.
White House officials and architect Shalom Baranes recently presented updated plans to the National Capital Planning Commission.
The proposal includes a two-story ballroom designed for large state events, a rebuilt White House movie theater, and an office suite for the first lady on the lower level.
Questions Raised About Size and Cost
During the planning commission meeting, Phil Mendelson, head of the Council of the District of Columbia, questioned whether the ballroom’s size could be reduced.
He said the structure appeared large relative to the existing White House footprint.
Baranes responded that changes remain possible, depending on budget constraints and construction timelines.
Demolition Already Underway
The administration moved ahead with demolishing the East Wing last fall, drawing attention from preservation groups and former White House residents.
Initial cost estimates placed the project near $200 million. President Trump has since said the total cost could reach as high as $400 million, though he believes it will ultimately come in lower.
Trump: Taxpayers Won’t Pay
Speaking at a White House Hanukkah event, President Trump emphasized that the ballroom would not be funded by taxpayers.
“For 150 years they wanted a ballroom,” Trump said. “We’re giving it to them — donors and myself — free of charge.”
The president described the project as a long-overdue upgrade that would better serve future administrations and visiting world leaders.
Critics Object, Supporters Highlight Practical Benefits
Some historians and Democratic figures criticized the East Wing demolition, calling it unnecessary. Chelsea Clinton argued in an op-ed that historic preservation should take priority, while former First Lady Michelle Obama said the changes felt symbolic rather than personal.
Supporters counter that the ballroom will eliminate the need for temporary tents during major state events.
At the close of the planning commission meeting, Chair William Scharf praised the project, noting it would provide a permanent venue for diplomatic gatherings.
He added that without a ballroom, a future visit from King Charles III could require hosting events in temporary outdoor structures on the South Lawn.
