Trump’s Remaking of Washington’s Design Watchdogs: A Modern Era for Federal Aesthetics
For over a century, the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) has served as a guardian of Washington D.C.’s architectural and artistic landscape, intended to ensure that new federal projects harmonize with the nation’s capital. Established by Congress, the CFA was envisioned to be comprised of “qualified judges of the beautiful arts.” Now, the composition of this influential body is undergoing a significant shift, raising questions about the future of federal design oversight.
From Burnham to Chamberlain Harris: A Changing Guard
The recent appointment of Chamberlain Harris, a 26-year-old White House assistant with limited publicly known experience in the arts, signals a departure from the CFA’s historical composition. Harris, previously known as the “United States Receptionist” during President Trump’s first term, is set to be sworn in at the commission’s next public meeting. This appointment, alongside several others, reflects President Trump’s effort to install loyalists within key oversight bodies.
The Ballroom Project and the Push for Expediency
The changes at the CFA coincide with President Trump’s ambitious plans for a new ballroom at the White House and a proposed triumphal arch. These projects are facing scrutiny from preservation groups, who argue that the administration bypassed necessary federal reviews before initiating construction. A lawsuit has been filed, alleging that the administration should have consulted the CFA and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) prior to demolishing parts of the East Wing and beginning work on the ballroom.
Gutting the Commissions: A Pattern of Appointments
In October 2025, President Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, leaving the board vacant for months. This followed similar actions at the NCPC, where Biden appointees were removed and replaced with individuals considered more aligned with the President’s “America First Policies.” The swift replacement of commission members suggests a desire to expedite approval for the White House ballroom and other planned projects.
Expert Concerns: A Lack of Qualification
Former CFA members and design experts have expressed concern over the qualifications of the newly appointed commissioners. Some argue that several appointees lack the necessary expertise in architecture, urban planning, or art to effectively evaluate complex federal projects. Alex Krieger, a former CFA member and Harvard professor, described the situation as a “catastrophe,” noting that some appointees have “no qualification to judge design, architecture, or urbanism.”
The Role of the Commissions: Review and Approval
Both the CFA and the NCPC play crucial roles in reviewing and approving designs for federal buildings and monuments in Washington D.C. The CFA provides advice on aesthetic matters, while the NCPC focuses on broader planning and coordination. Both commissions must sign off on President Trump’s ballroom project before construction can proceed. The White House aims to secure approval from both bodies by March, with plans to commence above-ground construction in April.
Did you know?
The Commission of Fine Arts was established in 1910 and its early members included prominent architects and city planners like Daniel Burnham and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., who shaped much of Washington D.C.’s iconic landscape.
FAQ
- What is the Commission of Fine Arts? The CFA is an independent federal agency that advises the President and Congress on design plans for monuments, memorials, and federal buildings.
- Why did President Trump remove the existing CFA members? The White House stated the removals were to appoint members more aligned with President Trump’s “America First Policies.”
- What is the status of the White House ballroom project? The project is awaiting approval from the CFA and NCPC, with the White House aiming for construction to begin in April.
This shift in the composition of Washington’s design oversight bodies raises fundamental questions about the future of federal aesthetics and the balance between presidential vision and expert review. The coming months will be critical as the CFA and NCPC evaluate President Trump’s ambitious plans for the nation’s capital.
