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12h ago

White House Pitches $400 Million Ballroom to Federal Planning Panel Today

The session offers the first public look following months of below‑grade work with limited disclosure.

Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House where the East Wing once stood, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Construction workers watch as work continues on a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House in October 2025 in Washington, DC.
Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House where the East Wing once stood, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The demolition of the East Wing of the White House, the location of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom is seen from an elevated position on the North side of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 23, 2025. REUTERS/ Andrew Leyden/File Photo

Overview

  • The National Capital Planning Commission is holding an informational review of designs for a 90,000‑square‑foot ballroom to replace the demolished East Wing.
  • The commission is chaired by Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary, drawing scrutiny over the independence of the review.
  • Demolition of the East Wing occurred last year despite earlier statements suggesting the new structure would remain separate from the mansion, prompting preservationist criticism.
  • A federal judge hearing a preservation lawsuit signaled last month he was not inclined to order an immediate halt to construction.
  • The approval timeline calls for a Commission of Fine Arts informational meeting on Jan. 15 and final review on Feb. 19, with the NCPC final submission due Jan. 30 and a final presentation on March 5, as Trump seeks completion within his term.