By Arden Farhi
Senior White House Producer
March 3, 2026 / 6:00 AM EST / CBS News
When the National Capital Planning Commission meets later this week, the panel is expected to approve President Trump’s East Wing plans. But the Trump-friendly commission will also face a skeptical public, with many speakers and written comments opposing the nearly 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition.
About 100 people — including architects, preservation experts and ordinary citizens — have signed up to speak at Thursday’s meeting. The roster includes Carol Quillen, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is suing the president to pause construction.
NCPC has collected more than 32,000 written comments — nearly 10,000 pages — and says the “vast majority” oppose the project. Objections focus on the ballroom’s size, private financing and the lack of congressional input. “To take the People’s House and turn it into a monstrosity such as that is incredibly ridiculous,” wrote Susan Ruiz. Several commenters also noted the sudden razing of the original East Wing.
NCPC staff who reviewed the design are recommending commissioners approve “the preliminary and final site and building plans,” suggesting only minimal, non-binding adjustments to the landscape and the south facade’s columns.
A vote is likely Thursday afternoon; the monthly meeting, usually held in person, has been moved online. The Commission of Fine Arts, another oversight board filled with Trump appointees, granted preliminary and final design approval in February after brief consideration. Previous White House renovations have at times undergone months or years of scrutiny by both panels, and several comments criticized the speed of this effort.
“This is a very concrete example of what happens when we have a leader who thinks he’s above the rules,” said commenter Katherine Wyman. “He lives to thumb his nose at civility and the rule of law.”
Once NCPC signs off, no further approvals are required before construction begins. Administration officials say vertical construction could start as soon as April.
