President Donald Trump has dismissed all six members of the Commission on Fine Arts, a board responsible for overseeing architectural projects in Washington, D.C. This decision comes as Trump plans significant renovations to the White House, including a new ballroom and a triumphal arch.

The commission, which advises federal officials on design and preservation matters, had been expected to review Trump's proposed projects. The ballroom is set to occupy the East Wing of the White House, while the arch is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. A White House official stated that a new group of commission members will be appointed, aligning more closely with Trump's policies.

All six members of the commission were appointed during former President Joe Biden's administration. Trump's action mirrors Biden's previous decision to replace members appointed by Trump during his first term. The commission's work primarily involves urban planning and historical preservation, areas where Trump has shown little interest.

Recently, crews began demolishing the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, which is projected to cost $300 million. Trump had initially claimed that the existing structure would remain untouched. However, a White House representative later clarified that the entire East Wing would undergo modernization.

Trump's plans for the arch typically require a lengthy approval process, including congressional consent and multiple stages of planning and design review. Despite this, Trump has been pushing to expedite his projects. He previously signed an executive order titled "Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again," which mandates that future D.C. buildings reflect classical styles inspired by ancient Greece and Rome.

The Commission on Fine Arts is one of several boards that review construction projects in the capital. It remains unclear whether Trump's ballroom plans will be submitted to this commission, as the White House has indicated they will be sent to the National Capital Planning Commission instead.

The demolition of the East Wing and the proposed changes have sparked criticism from historic preservation advocates. Some Democratic lawmakers expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. They described the ballroom project as one of the most significant alterations to the White House in modern history, urging the administration to follow the standard approval procedures.

In response to the backlash, the White House characterized the criticism as "manufactured outrage," asserting that previous presidents have also made substantial changes to the White House. Trump has emphasized the need for a ballroom, stating that the current facility lacks adequate space for large events. During a recent dinner for donors to the ballroom project, he remarked on the ease of starting construction, noting, "You have zero zoning conditions. You're the president."