Federal Panel Delays Vote on Trump’s White House Ballroom Project
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) postponed the anticipated vote on Donald Trump’s proposed $400 million ballroom addition to the White House until April 2, citing a substantial volume of public input, most of which opposed the plan.
The NCPC had been scheduled to finalize its decision on the project on Thursday. However, at the start of the meeting, the commission chair announced the delay, emphasizing the need to consider the extensive public feedback received during the comment period.
“We’re going to take the time to deliberate, and we’re going to have a final vote on April 2,”
Will Scharf, the NCPC chair and senior aide to Trump, stated as the meeting commenced.
Public Opposition and Comments
Prior to the meeting, the commission released a compilation of the public comments submitted regarding the project. The NCPC reported receiving over 35,000 written comments, with the majority opposing Trump’s plan to construct a 90,000 square foot ballroom on the site where the East Wing of the White House formerly stood. Many comments also condemned the demolition of the East Wing, which had previously occurred without commission approval.
White House officials have maintained that the demolition did not require NCPC approval and assured that any future construction proposals would be presented to the appropriate commissions. Trump has stated that the ballroom will cost approximately $400 million and will be financed through private donations.
A recent analysis by the Washington Post found that more than 98% of roughly 32,000 submitted comments opposed the project, with respondents describing the proposed design as “gaudy and cheap.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the vote postponement.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said the negative comments about the ballroom
“are clearly stemming from an organized campaign of Trump-deranged liberals who clearly have no style or taste.”
Commission Appointments and Related Votes
The vote delay occurs amid Trump’s appointment of loyalists to positions on the NCPC commission. Earlier in the week, the NCPC executive director published a recommendation urging the commission to approve the preliminary and final site and building plans for the East Wing Modernization Project, which is located on the White House grounds.
The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), which also reviews the ballroom plans and where Trump has appointed allies, voted to approve the project last month.
Legal Challenges and Preservation Concerns
Historic preservation groups have taken legal action to halt the project. In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit seeking to block construction of the new ballroom, arguing that the administration violated multiple laws by demolishing parts of the White House without any review.
Last week, a federal judge granted a temporary halt to construction. The preservation group has indicated plans to file an amended lawsuit to continue challenging the project.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
