From CBS News: A commission that advises the federal government on architecture and the arts voted Thursday to approve President Trump’s overhaul of the White House East Wing, clearing a key hurdle before above-ground construction can begin on a new ballroom.
Six members of the Commission of Fine Arts voted to give final approval of the project after discussing the plans at a virtual meeting. One member, the original architect of the ballroom, recused himself. All of the members were appointed by the president after he fired the previous members in October.
Architect Shalom Baranes presented renderings and technical drawings to the commission, showing the proposed East Wing exterior from various perspectives. The images showed one notable change to an earlier design: a pediment will no longer adorn the south face of the ballroom.
Baranes also played animations that simulated how the public will see the new construction from the north and south sides of the complex.
Democrats have vehemently opposed the construction of the ballroom, and appear to have launched a massive campaign trying to stop it. The report states that the Commission was flooded with over 2,000 letters, with over 99% voicing opposition to the project.
Despite the bombardment of negative letters, the Commission voted to allow the project to continue.
CBS News further reported:
The White House is still awaiting approval from another panel, the National Capital Planning Commission, which could vote as soon as March 5. The administration has said vertical construction could begin as soon as April.
CLICK HERE to view more artists’ renderings and floor plans of the project.
President Trump announced in a Truth Social post, “The Commission of Fine Arts just approved, unanimously, 6 to 0, with one recusal because he had a conflict in that he worked professionally on the job, the White House Ballroom. Great accolades were paid to the building’s beauty and scale. Thank you to the members of the Commission! President DJT.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 19, 2026
The architectural firm handling the White House ballroom has submitted a slightly different version of the presentation to the Commission of Fine Arts.
The CFA version shows another view of the ballroom from the South Lawn and a more detailed floor plan. pic.twitter.com/wxPxThWnQD
— Nikki Schwab (@NikkiSchwab) February 16, 2026
“Will be the Greatest Ballroom ever built, now rising at the site of the White House — Fully paid for by American Patriot Donors. ZERO cost to our United States Taxpayers!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/DXxsO1fOpx
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 18, 2026
The Commission of Fine Arts has voted to approve the design plan for President Trump’s White House ballroom. https://t.co/7g90pKdJBc
— ABC News (@ABC) February 19, 2026
A commission that advises the federal government on architecture and the arts voted to approve President Trump’s overhaul of the White House East Wing. https://t.co/NihHBL8wF7
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 19, 2026
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