Arts Commission Approves Trump White House Ballroom Plan

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved plans for a new ballroom on the White House South Lawn on Wednesday. The 7-1 vote came from a panel with several members appointed by President Trump. The project aims to create space for large events at the executive mansion. It has moved forward after years of discussion and recent efforts to speed up the process. The approval clears a major hurdle for construction to begin soon.

Background

The idea for a White House ballroom started during Trump's first term. He wanted a place to host big gatherings without renting hotel ballrooms. The South Lawn, a grassy area used for events like Easter Egg Rolls, was picked as the site. Architects proposed a two-story structure with columns and a glass roof to blend with the White House style.

Talks began in 2018. Early designs faced pushback from preservation groups worried about changing the historic lawn. The commission, which reviews designs for federal buildings in Washington, took up the matter multiple times. Delays came from debates over size, look, and impact on views from the Oval Office.

Trump left office in 2021, but the project did not die. When he returned as president in 2025, work picked up again. Staff revived the plans with small changes, like a lower roofline. The commission met more often to discuss it. Last month, White House officials asked for a faster review to match other priorities.

The panel has seven members, all appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Four current members trace their appointments to Trump: chairwoman Billie Tsien, appointed in 2019; James McCrery, from 2020; and two others added in his second term. Past chairs under Trump, like the late Earl Powell, also shaped the group's views on such projects.

Key Details

The meeting lasted two hours. Members reviewed updated drawings, 3D models, and reports on materials. The ballroom would cover about 25,000 square feet, with room for 500 guests. It includes kitchens, restrooms, and storage. Construction would use stone matching the White House facade.

Vote Breakdown

Chairwoman Tsien called the vote after brief comments. Six members voted yes right away. One, a holdover from the Biden years, voted no, citing concerns over the lawn's open feel. No one abstained. The approval letter goes to the White House and National Park Service next week.

White House project manager Lisa Smith explained the rush:

"This space will let us host state dinners and galas without leaving the grounds. It saves taxpayer money and keeps events secure. We've waited long enough."

– Lisa Smith, White House Operations Director

Cost estimates run to $450 million. Funding comes from private donors and federal budgets. Donors include business leaders who attended early briefings. No full list is public yet.

The design firm, led by Robert A.M. Stern, made changes based on feedback. They shortened the building and added gardens around it. Critics still call it too big for the site.

What This Means

Approval lets the White House apply for building permits. major could happen by summer if no court challenges arise. Preservation groups have 30 days to object formally. Past lawsuits delayed similar projects, like the Ellipse renovation.

The vote highlights the commission's makeup. With Trump's appointees in most seats, decisions align with administration goals. This could speed other plans, such as embassy upgrades or park changes.

For the White House, the ballroom fills a gap. Current event spaces hold fewer than 200 people. Larger crowds now use nearby hotels, costing $50,000 per night sometimes. The new room would handle 10 times that capacity.

Staff say it boosts U.S. prestige for foreign leaders. Diplomats have complained about cramped quarters during visits. The project also creates jobs: 300 during construction, 50 permanent.

Public reaction splits along lines. Supporters see it as practical. Others worry it turns the people's house into a party venue. Protests happened outside the commission's office, with signs reading "Keep the Lawn Green."

Next steps include environmental reviews. The Park Service will check soil and tree impacts. If all clears, shovels hit dirt in months. The full build-out takes two years.

Trump commented briefly after the vote. He called it "a win for America first events." Aides plan a ceremonial announcement soon. Meanwhile, the South Lawn stays open for now, hosting its usual crowds.