Topline
The White House fired all members of the Commission of Fine Arts on Tuesday, according to The Washington Post, making the cuts as the commissioners were expected to review construction plans for controversial Trump-backed projects like the massive proposed White House ballroom.
Key Facts
All six members of the commission were fired Tuesday, the Post reported, citing an email sent to one of the commissioners by a staffer in the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
Some of the commissioners removed Tuesday were expected to review Trump’s $300 million ballroom project and a planned “Independence Arch” near the Lincoln Memorial, according to the Post.
The 115-year-old agency, which typically has seven members but had six as of the firings, was made up of Hazel Ruth Edwards, Bruce Redman Becker, Peter D. Cook, Lisa E. Delplace, William J. Lenihan and Justin Garrett Moore, all of whom were appointed by the Biden administration.
The commission’s former head, architect Billie Tsien, resigned earlier this year.
Forbes has reached out to the White House and the commission for comment.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
What To Watch For
Trump might avoid a review of his ballroom, the Post added, following in the steps of former President Harry Truman, who added a balcony to the White House after the commission’s then-chairman said the panel could only act in an advisory capacity with the president.
Key Background
Construction on Trump’s ballroom began last week, when the 123-year-old East Wing was demolished to make way for the gilded, spacious project. The ballroom will be constructed “long before the end of President Trump’s term,” according to the White House, and will be funded by Trump and donors including billionaire Gemini founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss and oil executive Harold G. Hamm. The National Capital Planning Commission will oversee approval of the new building, which has received backlash amid an ongoing government shutdown that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of workers being furloughed. Trump’s “Independence Arch” is expected to be built to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary next summer. When asked who the project is for, the president said, “Me. It’s going to be beautiful.” A model of the arch shows a large stone arch, topped with a golden winged angel and two eagles.
Further Reading
Trump Confirms Plans For Massive ‘Independence Arch’ Near Lincoln Memorial (Forbes)
White House East Wing Demolition Nearly Complete For Trump’s Ballroom (Photos) (Forbes)