Thousands of angry comments flood White House ballroom review
Ahead of reviewing the final site and building plans of the White House East Wing ballroom project this week, the National Capital Planning Commission has received over 32,000 public comments, with the "majority in opposition to the project".
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) advisory board is set to review architect studio Shalom Baranes Associates' East Wing plans in a public meeting on 5 March, following recent approval of the project by the Commission of the Fine Arts (CFA).
While public commentary is now closed, the NCPC has shared over 10,000 pages of public comments, including scans of handwritten letters.
"The Commission received a substantial number of public comments on the project, the majority in opposition to the project," said the NCPC.
Thousands of public comments submitted ahead of White House ballroom review
The comments include criticism of the building's size, appearance, lack of official approval, and price, with people writing in that they are "distraught" and that they oppose the project.
"I am writing to express how distraught I am regarding the proposed destruction of the East Wing of the 'People's House'," reads one comment.
"While I understand that a larger space may be required, the President's current proposal is deeply problematic. This plan would render the most historic and significant parts of the White House inconspicuous and tiny."
"The replacement of the beautiful East Wing with a tacky giant ballroom with no other relevant purpose but to stroke the ego of a narcissistic man is not viable. I oppose it. He will not pay for it. He never pays construction workers and contractors. You need to make him pay for the reconstruction of the East Wing as it was," another said.
Others with close ties to Washington DC also shared personal anecdotes.
"My 92-year-old mother grew up in Washington DC," shared one commenter.
"She's told me about the temporary buildings on the National Mall during WW2. We had family who worked in those buildings. My mom really cried hard when she saw the East Wing being destroyed."
Not all comments were purely negative, with some expressing concern despite ongoing support for Trump, while others took the chance to submit their own proposals, such as a rendering of a metallic eagle bust for the interior.
NCPC responds to comments
In the Director's Recommendation letter, the NCPC listed responses to some of the concerns, noting that the 90,000 square foot (8,361 square metre) East Wing building will be located next to adjacent buildings that are "substantial in size".
It also notes that the presented renderings of the building, "while helpful in understanding the project, are generally not views of the project the public will see or experience".
The letter also notes that "temporary and permanent security projects" will be submitted in "the near future" by Shalom Baranes Associates and supports small changes to the East Wing building, such as the removal of a "pediment on the south elevation which results in a lower building height".
The historic East Wing of the White House was razed in October 2025 to make way for a new building proposed by the Trump Administration that contains a 22,000 square foot (2,043 square metres) gilded ballroom for hosting visitors.
The project has moved quickly through approvals by the Administration due to Trump allies being staffed throughout various advisory boards, such as the NCPC and CFA.
It was facing legal challenges by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was fighting against the legitimacy of the project, but a federal judge recently declined the organisation's request to halt construction.
On 5 March, the NCPC will review a set of drawings submitted by Shalom Baranes Architects in a livestream. If approved, the project will move forward, with reports that construction may start this Spring.
Along with the submitted comments, 100 people, including architects and members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Society of Architectural Historians, are also set to speak.
In light of recent developments, Dezeen rounded up everything you need to know about the East Wing ballroom and discussed its development on the Dezeen Weekly podcast.
Top photo via CFA.
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