**Excerpt:** The Commission of Fine Arts has unanimously approved President Trump’s plans for a new White House ballroom, a key step before construction can begin.
Key Points
– The Commission of Fine Arts approved the plans for the White House East Wing renovation.
– Architect Shalom Baranes presented revised designs, eliminating a pediment from the ballroom’s south face.
– Public feedback on the project has been predominantly negative, with over 99% of comments opposed.
– The project awaits approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, with a vote scheduled for March 5.
– Vertical construction could start as early as April 2026.
Approval Process
On February 19, 2026, the Commission of Fine Arts voted unanimously to approve President Trump’s plans for a significant renovation of the White House East Wing, which includes a new ballroom. This decision marks a crucial step toward initiating above-ground construction.
Design Presentations
During a virtual meeting, six commission members discussed and approved the project. Architect Shalom Baranes presented technical drawings and renderings of the proposed East Wing exterior. Notably, a change from earlier designs was highlighted: a pediment will no longer be part of the ballroom’s south face.
Baranes also showcased animations to illustrate how the new construction will be perceived from various angles, as well as landscape architect Rick Parisi’s mock-ups of the surrounding foliage and the relocation of a fountain.
Public Feedback
Thomas Luebke, the CFA’s secretary, reported significant public engagement regarding the project, noting that over 2,000 messages had been received in the past week, with the vast majority expressing opposition. Concerns included claims of unauthorized site demolition, the scale of the project, and a perceived lack of transparency in funding and contracting.
One comment described the ballroom’s design as “shouting power.” In contrast, newly appointed commissioner Chamberlain Harris defended the project, stating, “This is sort of like the greatest country in the world. It’s the greatest house in the world and we want it to be the greatest ballroom in the world.”
Next Steps
The Commission of Fine Arts, established in 1910 to advise on arts and architectural matters, has now completed its part of the approval process. The project still requires authorization from the National Capital Planning Commission, which is set to vote on the matter as early as March 5, 2026. If approved, construction could commence in April.
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