Federal panel expected to advance Trump's White House ballroom proposal

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, led by Trump appointees, is set to vote on the design this week.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a federal panel responsible for reviewing President Donald Trump's plans to build a massive ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing, is expected to vote to advance the project when it meets on Thursday. The panel, now led by Trump appointees, is likely to endorse the 'immense' design and scale of the proposed ballroom, which would be roughly twice the size of the White House itself.

Why it matters

Trump's decision to demolish the East Wing without the typical independent reviews, congressional approval, and public comment has prompted a public outcry. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued in federal court to halt construction of the ballroom, and the judge's decision in the case is pending.

The details

At the January meeting, some of the commissioners questioned the lead architect about the 'immense' design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. The project is also scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by one of Trump's top White House aides and has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.

  • The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is expected to vote on the design at its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the project at a meeting on March 5, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The Republican president who proposed the construction of a massive ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing.

U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

A federal panel responsible for reviewing President Trump's plans for the ballroom project. The panel is now led by Trump appointees.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that has sued in federal court to halt construction of the ballroom.

National Capital Planning Commission

A commission led by one of Trump's top White House aides that has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington, D.C. region.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that any changes to the White House complex are thoughtfully considered and preserve the historic character of this iconic building.”

— Stephanie Meeks, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

The judge's decision in the federal lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pending. The National Capital Planning Commission is also scheduled to discuss the project at a meeting on March 5, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between preserving the historic character of the White House complex and the current administration's desire to make significant changes. The outcome will have lasting implications for the future of the iconic building and the role of public input in such decisions.