Breaking News: President Trump quietly shakes up the Commission of Fine Arts, adding four new members amidst a controversial White House project.
This week, President Donald Trump made a move that's likely to stir up some debate. He appointed four new members to the Commission of Fine Arts. This commission, along with another federal panel, is tasked with reviewing Trump's ambitious plan to construct a new ballroom at the White House.
One of the newly appointed members is James McCrery, an architect who previously led the now $400 million ballroom project. Interestingly, Trump replaced him late last year. McCrery also has prior experience on the commission, having served during Trump's first term.
The White House unveiled the ballroom project last summer, and the East Wing was subsequently demolished to make way for the new construction. However, this project hasn't been without its hurdles. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit in federal court, aiming to halt construction until the necessary approvals are granted by both the fine arts panel and a second federal commission.
The appointment of these four new members was revealed in court documents filed on Thursday by a White House official. The White House has yet to comment on the matter.
The Commission of Fine Arts typically comprises seven members, but it has been operating with vacancies for months. Trump dismissed six commissioners last fall after the East Wing demolition. Furthermore, the panel's chair resigned last year after Trump took office due to term expiration.
Here's where it gets controversial: The National Trust for Historic Preservation has accused the Trump administration of violating federal laws by commencing the project before securing independent reviews from the commissions, Congress, and the public.
The other members appointed by Trump to the Commission of Fine Arts are: Mary Anne Carter of Tennessee; Roger Kimball of Connecticut; and Matthew Taylor of Washington, D.C.
The National Capital Planning Commission, the second federal panel overseeing construction on federal land, including the White House grounds, received an initial presentation about the ballroom on January 8th.
What do you think? Do you believe the appointments will impact the project's outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
