Construction work has started on a new White House ballroom. This begs the question of what that structural over-reach will do to the historic structure. President Donald Trump promised Americans that the new construction would not obstruct views of the existing building. In so doing, he sought to allay fears by praising the project’s design. This exciting project is just getting started this week. Its goal is to better serve the White House’s current needs while respecting its architectural history.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said the president was serious about building and fixing infrastructure that’s government-owned. She said, “A lot of presidents have had this in their dreams. Now President Trump is doing it.” And he is the builder-in-chief. In very large part, he was re-elected to this people’s house because he is great at building goodwill.”
The complex’s own demolition process attracted A-list news coverage when journalists snagged video of construction machinery ripping into the old White House structure’s shell. Fostering fears During his campaign, critics pointed out, this activity aligned perfectly with Trump’s newly unveiled plans to expand the venue’s capabilities. Notably, Trump made a big point of saying that the new ballroom would be built right next to the current structure. He promised, “It can’t mess with the existing building. It’ll be next to it, but never touching it, and it gives complete homage to the original structure, which I could be the biggest booster of.”
Maybe it’s the surprise of all this demolition occurring while a public outcry has been brewing since the start of the project. Critics have raised concerns about altering a historic site, prompting Leavitt to address what she characterized as “a lot of fake outrage about the demolition.”
Will Scharf — a Trump appointed official — now heads the National Capital Planning Commission. He was instrumental in creating new procedures for the procurement of construction projects through federal buildings. He made a strong case for not just demolition but for actually rebuilding. He stated unequivocally that only the commission is empowered to approve plans for new construction.
A White House official later walked back this idea, saying that the National Planning Commission only needs permits for vertical construction—not demolition. They promised that the relevant permits will be filed at the NPC when appropriate. This announcement highlights the procedural rigor that is necessary for all big projects.
During the first term of Trump’s predecessor, he worked with the commission to erect a new fence around the perimeter of the White House. This history of engagement gives rise to the belief that new efforts will shake hands and go through the motions too. Under normal circumstances, the National Capital Planning Commission approves all major changes to these federal buildings, reviewing them to make sure they follow preservation standards.
As demolition unfolds, we remain hopeful at the growing influence of public opinion. Will it foster the story line about this extraordinary and ambitious build? In fact, critics such as late-night host Stephen Colbert have highlighted the difference between what Trump is promising and what you can literally see happening on the ground. Colbert had featured photos of damage to the White House exterior on his show earlier in the week. He raised serious questions about the president’s commitment to protect and honor the historic building.