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The Trump administration has dismissed all six members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts after an unapproved demolition began inside the White House to create space for a new presidential ballroom.
Exclusive: The White House fired all of the members on the independent federal agency that had expected to review some of President Trump's construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch and White House ballroom.
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost.com) 2025-10-29T12:45:03.702065872Z
His construction projects
The commission, an independent federal body responsible for advising on architecture and design in the capital, was reportedly not informed of the works, which included tearing down the entire East Wing — despite earlier assurances that the structure would remain untouched.
«It's my favourite. It's my favourite place. I love it.»
Donald Trump
The move follows a series of controversial architectural interventions by Trump, who has refused to answer to any oversight in his construction projects.
«On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately.»
Earlier this summer, he transformed the historic Rose Garden into a paved patio, stripping away its iconic image.
The mass firing underscores growing tensions between the administration's push for grand, imperial-style projects and the legal protections meant to preserve Washington's architectural heritage.
«We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump's ‘America First' policies.»
More aligned with Trump' policies
According to The Washington Post, members of the Commission of Fine Arts, commission established by Congress more than a century ago and advising the president, Congress, and local officials on design matters in Washington D.C., received an email stating:
«On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately.»
In a statement acknowledging the dismissals, the White House confirmed that the six commissioners, all appointed by Joe Biden and serving terms through 2028, were being replaced by figures more sympathetic to Trump's agenda, saying:
«We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump's ‘America First' policies.»
Presenting his plan to replace the East Wing with a new grand ballroom, Trump described his deep attachment to the White House, saying: «It's my favourite. It's my favourite place. I love it,» according to The Times.
Yet many are increasingly alarmed by what he might attempt next in his sweeping reconfiguration of the presidential residence, as more than three years remain in his second term — with critics drawing parallels between his unrestrained demolitions and the chaotic, unchecked style with which he governs the country.
Long-lasting consequences
The East Wing, which housed the First Lady's offices, the White House Social Office, and several administrative and ceremonial spaces including the Family Theater, served as the logistical and protocol heart of the presidential residence — and many are reportedly in shock over its destruction.
According to Politico, a historian of First Ladies warned that the loss of the East Wing will have long-lasting consequences for both the institution and the preservation of White House history.
“My living nightmare”: A historian of first ladies says destruction of the East Wing will have long-lasting consequences.Why fallout from Trump's demolition job may linger
