9,000 pages of public comments slam Trump White House ballroom plan
The National Capital Planning Commission has released over 9,000 pages of public comments denouncing President Trump's ballroom project, ahead of a meeting on Thursday when the public is expected to again voice their opinions.
Why it matters: The East Wing's demolition has sparked intense debate and raised existential questions about the future of the White House, as Trump's relentless drive to leave his mark on Washington continues.
Public comments reveal a range of opinions, from outrage over the 90,000-square-foot addition overshadowing the White House, to concerns about the logistical challenges and the potential for an eyesore. One commenter, Susan Dolibois, a former Nixon-era East Wing staffer, warns of the challenges of hosting large crowds in an adjunct building with extended security protocols.
Architects and preservationists have also weighed in, with some calling the project an 'abomination' and others suggesting it should be 'deferential' to the White House's architecture. A Republican Congressman, Michael Turner, expressed 'substantial concerns' about the demolition in a letter, highlighting the preservation of the nation's history.
The NCPC has the authority to oversee various aspects of the project, from tree placement to light-bulb lumens. A staff report advises architect Shalom Baranes to refine the design to be 'architecturally deferential' to the executive mansion, despite its current height. However, there are concerns that the NCPC might follow the lead of another Trump-stacked panel, the Commission on Fine Arts, which recently approved the design.
Thursday's meeting is expected to be contentious, with many registered to testify virtually. Some will criticize the NCPC itself, given its chair, Will Scharf's, ties to Trump. The commission may take more testimony after the meeting, before a final vote at its April meeting.
Despite the overwhelming public opposition, Trump remains confident, declaring, 'It's going to be the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world.' However, one commenter sums up the sentiment, 'Too large, gauche, Russian-like, out of proportion to our beautiful historic White House.'
