US EditionTrump Appointees Raise Concerns Over Scale of Proposed White House Ballroom Expansion
Trump appointees questioned the 90,000-square-foot ballroom's scale and design during a Fine Arts Commission meeting while preservationists seek a court order to halt construction.
- On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon expressed deep skepticism about the White House's authority to build President Donald Trump's $400 million ballroom and sharply rebuked a government lawyer.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation argues the National Park Service issued an environmental assessment only after the East Wing was demolished and seeks a preliminary injunction until Congress authorizes work.
- Lead architect Shalom Baranes presented renderings showing the proposed addition includes a 22,000-square-foot ballroom and a 10-column, multistory porch; the Commission of Fine Arts requested 3D scale models and an in-person session.
- Justice Department lawyer Jacob Roth told the judge the president has statutory authority, the administration said above-ground construction is not planned until April, and Judge Leon expects a ruling in the coming weeks.
- Earlier this month, the Commission of Fine Arts, with a Trump-majority and chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr., questioned the project's scale and requested 3D models as public comments were mostly negative.
98 Articles
98 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Mason City Globe GazetteTrump appointees ask about White House ballroom's design, scale — and want to see models
The Commission on Fine Arts discussion also included a brief review of mostly negative public comments on Trump's plans.
Federal judge appears to doubt White House authority to proceed with Trump's ballroom
The sprawling ballroom project has an estimated size of approximately 89,000 square feet, according to lead architect Shalom Baranes. By contrast, the primary White House structure, the Executive Mansion, is 55,000 square feet.
Monumentists complain about the construction of a new ballroom. Judge Leon criticizes the bypass of Congress. The future of the project is uncertain. An analysis.
Trump appointees ask about ballroom design
Some of President Donald Trump's handpicked appointees who have a say in his White House ballroom project asked questions Thursday about its "immense" design and scale, even as they broadly endorsed the president's vision for a massive expansion.
White House faces skeptical judge in lawsuit over Trump ballroom
WASHINGTON — A judge in Washington on Thursday sharply questioned whether President Donald Trump’s administration had authority to proceed with the construction of a $400-million White House ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing.
US President Donald Trump plans to build a $400 million ballroom in the White House. However, the 79-year-old's heart project could be stopped abruptly. On trial, Trump seems to suffer a severe defeat.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
