Trump's Terms U.S. Commission on Fine Arts approves Trump's White House ballroom plan
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Feb 20, 2026 
Tamara Keith, NPR senior White House correspondent who covers the presidency, breaks down the controversial $300M White House ballroom plan. She discusses design changes like the removed pediment. She covers the flood of public opposition and commissioners’ reactions. She outlines next steps, reviews, and the looming legal challenge.
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Commission Approved Without Final Design
- The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the White House ballroom despite not seeing a final design.
- Commissioners accepted a key design change after architect Shalom Baranis removed a pediment signed off by President Trump.
Pediment Removal Calmed Aesthetic Concerns
- Removing the pediment reduced the structure's dominating appearance over the White House facade.
- Commissioners, including chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr., said that change satisfied their concerns.
Public Backlash Flooded The Commission
- The commission received an unprecedented flood of public comments opposing the project.
- Thomas Lubke said he hadn't seen this much engagement in over 20 years, with more than 2,000 messages and over 99% opposition.