The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit established by Congress to promote historic preservation in the U.S., has reached out to the Trump administration through a letter. They’re asking to pause the ongoing demolition of the East Wing of the White House while a full review of the development plans for President Trump’s new ballroom is happening.
In a letter sent on Tuesday, directed to the National Capital Planning Commission, the National Park Service, and the Commission of Fine Arts, the Trust expressed serious worries that the ballroom’s attached structure would overpower the historic character of the White House.
The organization highlights that they lack the legal authority to enforce a construction halt but still emphasize the importance of community involvement. They urged the administration to delay the demolition until the proposal for the ballroom adheres to the mandatory public review steps, such as conversations with the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. They also want public feedback on the plan.
Recently, the Society of Architectural Historians voiced their own concerns about the vast size of the ballroom and the potential impacts on the grounds of the White House.
Moreover, back in August, an open letter from the American Institute of Architects highlighted similar issues regarding the ballroom’s size, stressing a need for the design to harmonize with the existing proportions of the White House.
It’s important to note that while these organizations can suggest improvements, they don’t hold any legal power in the decision-making process for the ballroom’s construction.
A White House representative indicated on Wednesday that plans for the new ballroom would be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission in due time. Another official added that the project’s scope and dimensions were always meant to evolve throughout the planning process.
No comments have been made yet by the White House in response to the concerns raised by these organizations. However, in a recent statement, they referenced “manufactured outrage” coming from critics, claiming that these allegations are backed by “unhinged leftists and their Fake News allies” who lack understanding of President Trump’s vision for a grand, privately financed ballroom at the White House.
During a conversation about the members’ updates concerning the ballroom, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared with Fox News on Wednesday, “Most presidents who have resided in this wonderful White House behind me have made their modern changes.” She also noted that numerous presidents over the years have expressed desires for a larger event place to host sizable gatherings beyond what the current East Room and State Dining Rooms can accommodate.
