More than 200 cultural voices have spoken out about a major architectural decision in Washington, D.C. However, earlier this week a federal arts panel made up largely of appointees of President Donald Trump voted to approve his proposed White House ballroom design. The ballroom would replace the demolished East Wing and expand formal event space at the White House.

The panel, known as the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, unanimously backed the plan this Thursday. The vote came unexpectedly early, and the design gained final approval during the same meeting when commissioners first reviewed it.

🎨 Panel Vote and Design Details

The ballroom project would create a circa 90,000-square-foot event space. It is meant to host up to 1,000 guests, far more than the current East Room’s capacity. The commission’s vote was 6-0, with one member recusing themselves because of prior involvement as the project’s architect.

At first, commissioners planned to approve only the design concept. However, they proceeded to grant final approval in the same session. Critics argue this sidestepped standard review procedures. The venue is intended to replace the historic East Wing, which Trump ordered torn down in October 2025 without conventional federal reviews or full public comment.

🏛️ Public Response and Preservation Concerns

Public opposition has been intense. According to commission officials, more than 2,000 written comments arrived before the vote, with over 99% opposing the ballroom project. Critics include historians, lawmakers and preservationists.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has gone further. It filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block construction. The Trust argues the approval process lacked transparency and bypassed federal review requirements. A court ruling on this legal challenge is pending.

📆 Next Steps in Approval Process

Although the fine arts panel has signed off, the project still faces future review. Next, the National Capital Planning Commission will examine the plan on March 5. That commission oversees construction and major renovations to government properties in the Washington area.

Supporters claim the ballroom will end the longstanding practice of hosting large events in temporary tents on the South Lawn. However, opponents remain sceptical, stating the new structure is oversized and risks overshadowing the historic White House site.

🏗️ Funding and Controversy

Trump has said the ballroom’s estimated US$400 million cost will come from private funding. Yet critics have pressed for transparency on donors and contract details. They continue to question how the project received swift approval with minimal public input.

Meanwhile, preservationists maintain that the ballroom’s scale and expedited approvals challenge long-standing norms for federal architectural review. They say the process should involve broader public engagement and independent assessment before proceeding.

At the same time, government courts and planning commissions will continue to evaluate the legality and suitability of the project in coming weeks. As the debate unfolds, public attention remains focused on the future of the historic presidential complex.