Panel to Vote on Trump's White House Ballroom Project on April 2

The National Capital Planning Commission will make a final decision on the controversial $400 million addition.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A federal panel reviewing President Donald Trump's plans to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House has set April 2 as the date for a final vote on the project. The National Capital Planning Commission will hear additional details about the construction plans and allow public comments before making its decision.

Why it matters

The proposed ballroom project has faced criticism from historic preservation groups who argue that Trump should not have demolished the existing East Wing before the plans were reviewed and approved by federal panels. The vote will determine whether the controversial $400 million addition can move forward.

The details

The National Capital Planning Commission, chaired by a top aide to President Trump, will hear from the White House and its own staff about the ballroom plans before the April 2 vote. More than 100 people had signed up to provide public comments at the initial March meeting, which was moved online to accommodate the high level of interest.

  • The National Capital Planning Commission initially planned to vote on the project on March 5, but pushed the vote to April 2 to allow more time for public comments.
  • The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the ballroom project last month.

The players

Will Scharf

Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission and a top aide to President Donald Trump.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A private, nonprofit group that asked a federal judge to temporarily halt construction on the ballroom project until the plans were properly reviewed.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon

Rejected the National Trust for Historic Preservation's request to halt construction on the ballroom project.

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What they’re saying

“They are taking time out of what I presume are busy schedules to join us. One way or the other, we are going to make sure that members of the public have the opportunity to be heard on this project.”

— Will Scharf, Chairman, National Capital Planning Commission

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission will hold a final vote on the White House ballroom project on April 2.

The takeaway

The proposed $400 million ballroom project at the White House has sparked controversy, with historic preservation groups arguing that the plans should have been reviewed before the existing East Wing was demolished. The upcoming vote by the National Capital Planning Commission will determine whether the controversial addition can move forward.