Former President Donald Trump found the time to start building an enormous grand ballroom at the White House. This high-profile, ambitious project has raised significant alarm about threats to the legal violation and preservation of historic structures. The future hotel’s ballroom — which would be known, ahem, as “The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom” — is expected to cover 90,000 square feet. It’s not surprising that the ambitious project has already generated some backlash. Despite legislation passed last year to protect it, demolition of the East Wing recently began, reducing that historic portion to rubble.
Critics, including historians and former White House administration officials, are furious. Instead, they lash out against the lack of legally mandated permits for demolishment and construction. But in practice, that means plans often weren’t even submitted by Trump’s administration to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for approval before work would begin. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organization established by Congress, has insisted that demolition plans undergo a public review. Unfortunately, this critical process has not occurred.
The Voorhees couple from Virginia, Charles and Judith, have taken legal action by filing a motion in Washington federal court. They request a temporary restraining order on the project, pointing out that construction is underway without required permits or environmental reviews.
“is being paid for 100% by me and some friends of mine.” – Donald Trump
A White House official told Reuters that construction plans would be submitted for review in the coming weeks. This response is welcomed as worries have been mounting. The NCPC spokesperson noted that though the NCPC does not require demolition permits, vertical construction will require submissions in the future.
While satellite images of the crude demolition kill zone continue to emerge, the public mood is turning sharply against the ill-conceived project. White House critics from all parties and perspectives have argued that blasting away a historic site further erodes the cultural integrity of the White House. Rather, they say, it disenfranchises the voices of the affected citizens.
The ongoing construction raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in governmental projects, particularly those involving iconic national landmarks. A broad range of stakeholders are interested in this development. It has yet to be seen how the administration will address these challenges as the ballroom project advances.