President Donald Trump is pursuing a series of projects in Washington, D.C., including the renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the construction of a lavish ballroom to replace the recently demolished East Wing. According to reports, the White House is also taking steps to influence the oversight of public art and national memorials in the capital.
Commission Appointments Under Scrutiny
White House officials are reportedly “moving to install Trump-aligned appointees” to the Commission of Fine Arts, which is charged by Congress with reviewing Washington’s public art and national memorials. This move, detailed in a report published on New Year’s Day 2026, comes as the administration faces increasing scrutiny over its building agenda.
The White House is expected to invite former Trump appointees to rejoin the Commission. These individuals include architectural critic Justin Shubow, developer and designer Rodney Mims Cook Jr., sculptor and painter Chas Fagan, landscape architect Perry Guillot, and architect Steven Spandle. Trump officials have framed this as restoring members to uncompleted four-year terms.
Prioritizing Loyalty
Sources indicate that loyalty to President Trump may be prioritized over formal arts expertise in the selection process. White House officials have reportedly considered appointing Trump loyalists with limited experience in the arts. This comes as the commission is set to review a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to the White House, which is currently facing a legal challenge.
Beyond the ballroom, the commission is also expected to review plans for a proposed triumphal arch, suggesting a broader effort to reshape Washington’s landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Commission of Fine Arts?
The Commission of Fine Arts is a federal agency charged by Congress with reviewing the design of elements in Washington, D.C., including buildings, monuments, and landscape architecture.
Who are the former Trump appointees being considered for reappointment?
The former Trump appointees being considered are architectural critic Justin Shubow, developer and designer Rodney Mims Cook Jr., sculptor and painter Chas Fagan, landscape architect Perry Guillot, and architect Steven Spandle.
What projects is the Commission of Fine Arts currently reviewing?
The Commission is currently reviewing a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to the White House, which is subject to a legal challenge, and a planned triumphal arch.
How might these appointments affect the future aesthetic of Washington, D.C.?
