White House Ballroom Proposal
East Wing Modernization
The White House is more than a residence or workplace. It is a National Historic Landmark and National Park, owned by the American people and stewarded by the National Park Service. Home to every U.S. president since 1800, it is perhaps the most significant historic site in the country. When nationally significant places are permanently altered, the public has the right to be heard and to help shape decisions that affect our shared national heritage.
Federal law exists to ensure that right. Before new construction takes place at the White House, the government is required to complete a series of legally mandated reviews — reviews designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful public participation:
- The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) holds review authority over new construction on federal properties in the capital region, including the White House.
- The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) provides advisory review before new construction takes place at the White House.
- Congress must expressly authorize the erection of any building on federal land in the District of Columbia before it can proceed.
- Projects must also comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
These are not bureaucratic formalities. They are safeguards — hard-won protections that give the American public a voice in decisions that shape our shared national heritage.
On December 12, 2025, the National Trust filed suit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia against various individuals and agencies of the government asserting that ongoing construction of the White House ballroom is unlawful and asking the court to halt further construction activities until the government complies with the law by going through the legally mandated review processes, including a public comment period.
“Listening to the views of the American people and incorporating the best of our ideas will result in a better overall project.”
National Trust President and CEO Carol Quillen
National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)
- East Wing modernization and ballroom addition were on the agenda for the March 5 meeting. Materials are available on the NCPC website.
- Read the statement from Carol Quillen in response to the March 5 NCPC meeting.
- Read the National Trust comments submitted to NCPC.
- National Trust President and CEO Carol Quillen spoke during the meeting. (Read these prepared remarks). The meeting recording is available on the NCPC video page.
- More than 32,000 public comments were submitted to NCPC—setting a record—and approximately 98% of the comments were critical of the proposal.
- The White House ballroom project is scheduled to be on the NCPC meeting agenda on April 2, with a vote by the Commission.
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA)
- East Wing modernization and ballroom addition were on the agenda for the February 19 meeting. Materials for this meeting including submitted documents are available on the CFA website.
- Read the statement from Carol Quillen in response to the February 19 CFA meeting.
- CFA received 2,000 public comments—setting a record—and 99% of the comments were critical of the proposal.
Crucial Insights and Viable Alternatives for a More Sensitive White House Ballroom
Recorded February 25, 2026. Featuring National Trust trustees and fellows of The American Institute of Architects, David Scott Parker and Bill Bates, who share design modifications to protect the carefully balanced classical design of the White House. The conversation was facilitated by Tom Mayes, the chief legal officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Download the comments submitted by David Scott Parker, FAIA to U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
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Additional Resources
The following resources and documents are related to the East Wing Modernization Project, including the proposed White House ballroom.
History of Modifications to the White House
Download the PDFWhite House Ballroom Frequently Asked Questions
Go to FAQ