President Donald Trump has appointed four new members to the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal panel involved in reviewing his plan for a White House ballroom. The appointments come as a legal challenge to the project proceeds.
New Appointments and Ongoing Legal Dispute
Among the new appointees is James McCrery, an architect who previously led the $400 million ballroom project before being replaced by Trump late last year. McCrery had also served on the commission during Trump’s first term. The White House announced the ballroom project last summer, and subsequently demolished the East Wing to make way for construction.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to halt construction until both the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission have given their approval. Court papers filed Thursday revealed the four new appointments to the Commission of Fine Arts.
Commission Vacancies and Prior Actions
The Commission of Fine Arts normally consists of seven members but has been largely vacant for months. Trump dismissed six commissioners last fall following the demolition of the East Wing. A seventh commissioner resigned after Trump took office last year as their term expired.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation alleges the Trump administration violated federal laws by initiating the project without first obtaining the required reviews from the commissions, Congress, and the public.
Remaining Commission Members and Next Steps
Currently, three members appointed by Trump remain on the Commission of Fine Arts: Mary Anne Carter of Tennessee, Roger Kimball of Connecticut, and Matthew Taylor of Washington, D.C. The National Capital Planning Commission received an initial presentation regarding the ballroom at its meeting on January 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Commission of Fine Arts?
The Commission of Fine Arts is one of two federal panels reviewing President Trump’s plan to build a White House ballroom.
Why is the National Trust for Historic Preservation suing?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has accused the Trump administration of violating federal laws by starting the project before submitting it for independent reviews by the commissions, Congress, and the public.
Who is James McCrery?
James McCrery is an architect who previously led the $400 million ballroom project until he was replaced by President Trump late last year. He also served on the commission during Trump’s first term.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen whether the newly appointed Commission members will approve the ballroom project, and what impact their decisions may have on the future of the White House grounds.
