Some of Donald Trump's appointees, who were instrumental in his White House ballroom project, raised concerns about the design and scale of the expansion during a Thursday meeting. Despite their reservations, they generally supported the president's vision for a massive expansion. The Commission on Fine Arts discussed the project, including negative public comments, but no immediate threat to Trump's overall idea was apparent. However, the meeting highlighted the sensitivity and political controversy surrounding the project, especially after the president approved the demolition of the East Wing to double the White House's square footage. The new Fine Arts chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., emphasized the importance of the project to the nation and the president. He stated that the United States should not entertain guests in tents and questioned whether the expansion could maintain the building's original character while accommodating the president's needs. The lead architect, Shalom Baranes, presented renderings and was asked to provide 3D scale models of the White House complex and the proposed addition during an in-person session. The commissioners were aware of concerns about the project's scale and its impact on the White House's architecture. Baranes addressed these concerns, explaining that the addition's north boundary would be set back from the existing North Portico, and the new structure's top would align with the primary facade of the White House. He also mentioned considering a second story for the West Wing to address symmetry concerns, but it remains a concept without structural analysis. Some commissioners appreciated Baranes' efforts but noted that the design could still significantly alter the view from the South Lawn. The architect acknowledged the president's desire to proceed with the design, despite the concerns. The meeting was part of a series with the Fine Arts panel and the National Capital Planning Commission, which assess and approve federal construction projects in Washington. Historic preservationists are seeking a court order to suspend the $400 million ballroom project, arguing that the president, as a temporary occupant, lacks the authority to undertake such a project without congressional approval. The government lawyer, Jacob Roth, countered that the president has statutory authority and broad discretion to modify the White House, and stopping the project mid-construction would create security concerns. The case is pending a judge's decision on a preliminary injunction.
