White House Ballroom Plan Approved by Trump-Appointed Arts Panel

The $400 million proposal to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom received a green light from the Commission of Fine Arts.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump appointees, voted to approve his $400 million proposal to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House. The meeting was originally intended to focus on the building's design, but when a motion was introduced for a final vote, six of the seven commissioners voted in favor—twice.

Why it matters

The approval of this massive ballroom project by a Trump-appointed arts panel raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of the president's personal preferences on government decisions. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit to halt construction, arguing the project would negatively impact the historic character of the White House grounds.

The details

The proposed ballroom is designed to seat approximately 650 people and is currently under construction. Trump has described the project as replacing "the very small, dilapidated, and rebuilt many times, East Wing, with a magnificent New East Wing." In December, Trump said the project had expanded significantly in size and quality since it was first proposed, with the "quality of finishes and interiors" brought to the "highest level" and the column span "substantially increased" for viewing purposes.

  • On February 19, 2026, the Commission of Fine Arts voted to approve the $400 million ballroom proposal.
  • In December 2025, Trump announced the project had expanded in size and quality since it was first proposed.

The players

U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

A panel made up of President Donald Trump appointees that voted to approve the $400 million White House ballroom proposal.

Rodney Mims Cook Jr.

The chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts who said "The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents" before the panel voted to approve the ballroom project.

James McCrery

A member of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts who abstained from the vote, as he had served as the project's original architect.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

An organization that has filed a lawsuit to halt construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project would negatively impact the historic character of the White House grounds.

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 region and will discuss the ballroom project at an upcoming meeting.

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What they’re saying

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure. The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

— Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (foxkansas.com)

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission, led by one of Trump's top White House aides, will discuss the ballroom project at a March 5 meeting. A court decision is also pending on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's lawsuit to halt construction of the project.

The takeaway

The approval of this massive White House ballroom project by a Trump-appointed arts panel raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of the president's personal preferences on government decisions. The project's impact on the historic character of the White House grounds will be a key issue going forward.