President Trump recently dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which oversees architectural projects in Washington, D.C. This decision aligns with his administration’s plans for significant building projects in the capital, notably the construction of a grand ballroom at the White House.
Changes to the Commission of Fine Arts
On Tuesday, President Trump announced the removal of the six existing members appointed during former President Joe Biden’s tenure. A White House official stated the intention to appoint new members who will support Trump’s America First policies.
Background on the Commission
- The Commission of Fine Arts reviews and approves construction projects in D.C.
- This board operates alongside the National Capital Planning Commission.
The firing of the commission members is not unprecedented. The Biden administration had previously replaced members appointed during Trump’s first term.
Trump’s Ambitious Building Plans
The changes come as the Trump administration moves forward with ambitious projects, including:
- A 90,000-square-foot ballroom to replace the East Wing of the White House.
- A proposed triumphal arch to be built across the river from D.C.
In August, Trump signed an executive order titled “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again.” This order promotes classical architectural designs inspired by ancient Greece and Rome for buildings in the D.C. area.
Controversy and Criticism
The recent decision to demolish the East Wing has sparked significant criticism. Some historic preservation groups have urged the administration to follow the usual approval processes for major construction projects. Critics, including Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman, Robert Garcia, and Yassamin Ansari, expressed concern over the lack of public disclosure regarding this significant alteration.
The White House dismissed these criticisms as “manufactured outrage,” emphasizing that such renovations by previous administrations were also common. They contend that the ballroom is essential due to the current lack of large event spaces in the White House.
Funding and Future Steps
Trump announced plans for the $300 million ballroom project at a recent fundraising dinner. He noted how quickly construction could begin, highlighting the absence of zoning conditions since he holds the presidency. The administration has indicated that the ballroom plans will be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission instead of the Commission of Fine Arts, though it remains unclear if any future submissions will involve the latter.
