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, amidst Trump's relentless efforts to leave his mark on Washington.
Public comments reveal a range of reactions, from calling the project a "complete disaster" to expressing outrage over the 90,000-square-foot addition overshadowing the White House. One woman even implored the commission, "NO GAUDY FAKE GOLD STUFF ALL OVER THE PLACE."
Concerns raised include logistical nightmares, such as the potential for crowds and lengthened security protocols, as well as the need for additional kitchen facilities and china to accommodate more people than usual. Susan Dolibois, a Nixon-era East Wing staffer, wrote, "No one wants to be in an adjunct building in a large crowd with lengthened security protocols."
Architects across the country have also weighed in, with Charles Luebke from Missouri calling it an "eyesore," Donald Horn from Omaha describing the fast-track process as "appalling," and Ron Nestor from Irvine, California, labeling it an "abomination."
However, some comments offer a more balanced perspective. Alison Hoagland, a D.C. preservationist, suggests that while constructing a ballroom is possible, it should be "deferential to the White House, not overwhelming."
A Republican Congressman, Michael Turner of Ohio, expressed "substantial concerns" about the demolition in an October letter that was recently made public. He stated, "The stark images of the East Wing demolished in mere days were deeply disturbing to Americans who cherish the preservation of our nation's history."
One member of the public, reaching for bipartisanship, called the demolition a "disgrace" and emphasized their political independence, having been a Republican, Democrat, and Independent.
Supportive comments are scarce, but some offer technical advice, such as an arts center requesting the installation of ADA-compliant assistive listening systems.
The NCPC has project authority over various aspects, including tree placement and 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 approximately a hundred people registered to testify virtually. Some will criticize the NCPC itself, particularly its chair, Will Scharf, who is also the White House staff secretary and Trump's former personal lawyer. One prepared testimony states, "You are complicit in the destruction of a national monument."
The commission may take additional testimony after the meeting and before a final vote at its April meeting.
On Monday, Trump, while presiding over a Medal of Honor ceremony, boasted, "It's going to be the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world."
One commenter succinctly summarized the sentiment, stating, "Too large, gauche, Russian-like, out of proportion to our beautiful historic White House."
