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6h ago

White House Ousts Entire Fine Arts Commission, Plans To Install Allies

The move eliminates a layer of design oversight on major projects the administration is pushing in Washington.

Heavy machinery works during demolition of the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is being built, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 24, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Heavy machinery works during demolition of the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is being built, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
A person takes a video of the ongoing demolition of the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is being built, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
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Overview

  • All six Biden-appointed members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts were terminated by email, effective immediately, and a White House official said a new slate aligned with President Trump’s policies will be named.
  • The dismissals come as the administration advances a roughly $250–$300 million, donor-funded White House ballroom to replace the demolished East Wing and promotes a proposed triumphal arch along the Potomac.
  • The White House has argued the ballroom does not require Commission of Fine Arts approval and says plans will be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission soon.
  • In July, Trump installed allies on the NCPC and elevated aide Will Scharf to chair, shifting another key federal review body that will weigh the ballroom plans.
  • Preservation groups and several senators have pressed for formal reviews and donor disclosures, while coverage notes precedent for presidents reshaping the arts commission, including Truman’s 1947 overhaul.