Trump's White House Ballroom Proposal Advances

Federal panel expected to vote to move forward with massive new ballroom project

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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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 this week. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, now led by Trump appointees, is likely to approve the 'immense' design and scale of the project, which would roughly double the size of the White House itself. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction, but the judge's decision is still pending.

Why it matters

The proposed ballroom project has sparked public outcry, as it would involve the demolition of the historic White House East Wing without the typical independent reviews, congressional approval, and public comment processes that are standard for modifications to such iconic buildings. The decision by the Trump-appointed commission raises concerns about the preservation of the White House's architectural and historical integrity.

The details

President Trump announced plans in October to demolish the White House East Wing and construct a massive new ballroom in its place. The proposed ballroom would be roughly twice the size of the White House itself. At the commission's January meeting, some members questioned the 'immense' scale of the project, even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued in federal court to halt construction, but a judge's decision is still pending.

  • The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is expected to vote on the design at its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission, led by a top Trump White House aide, is scheduled to further discuss the project at a meeting on March 5, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who proposed the construction of a massive new ballroom on the White House grounds.

U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

A federal panel responsible for reviewing and approving plans for modifications to historic buildings in Washington, D.C., including the White House.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that has sued in federal court to halt construction of the proposed White House ballroom, citing concerns over the preservation of the building's architectural and historical integrity.

National Capital Planning Commission

A government agency that has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the Washington, D.C. region, and is scheduled to further discuss the ballroom project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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 further discuss the ballroom project at its March 5, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The proposed White House ballroom project has sparked significant controversy and concerns over the preservation of the historic building's architectural integrity. The decision by the Trump-appointed U.S. Commission of Fine Arts to advance the project, despite some members' reservations, raises questions about the influence of political considerations in the review process for such high-profile modifications to iconic national landmarks.