The Commission of Fine Arts unanimously approved President Trump’s plans for the White House East Wing overhaul, including a new ballroom. Architect Shalom Baranes presented updated designs, which exclude a previously planned pediment. Despite receiving over 2,000 public comments, mostly negative, the commission moved forward, emphasizing the ballroom’s potential significance for state functions. The project still awaits approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, with construction expected to begin in April.
