Overview
- Democratic lawmakers say at least eight oversight letters seeking plans, budgets and a full donor list for the roughly $300 million project have produced few substantive answers, and they currently lack subpoena power.
- The Trust for the National Mall confirmed it is managing private contributions for the 90,000‑square‑foot addition but said it is not involved in planning or construction.
- The Trust declined to provide donor identities or documents requested by senators, citing confidentiality rules and directing further questions to the National Park Service and the White House.
- The National Park Service did not respond to inquiries, and a White House spokesperson offered no comment on complying with Democratic oversight.
- Demolition of the East Wing and removal of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden have advanced as preservationists question bypassed reviews, while a White House official says hazardous‑material abatement occurred in September; reporting identifies major corporate contributors and notes donors may remain anonymous.