WASHINGTON — The head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation stated on Friday that she has faith in the federal planning commission's chairman to properly evaluate the proposal for a new White House ballroom.
Carol Quillen indicated in a recent discussion that she accepts Will Scharf's assurance that the National Capital Planning Commission will handle the review with appropriate diligence once formal plans are submitted. Scharf, who leads the commission, previously mentioned that he anticipates receiving the documents this month and that the examination would proceed at a standard, thoughtful rate.
Quillen remarked, "I take him at his word that the process will be conducted as it always is, deliberately and seriously, and that the commission will do its job."
There has been no official word from the White House regarding when the ballroom designs will be provided to Scharf's panel and the Commission of Fine Arts. The planning commission's agenda for its January session includes an "information presentation" on the "East Wing Modernization Project," typically an initial phase in assessing such initiatives.
Last week, the National Trust sought a court order to stop the ballroom construction until it undergoes several independent assessments, public input, and congressional authorization. Government lawyers contended that the legal action was too early.
A federal judge this week rejected the request for an immediate halt but set a January hearing for a preliminary injunction, which could pause all building activities until reviews are finished, potentially taking months.
Quillen explained that her organization is not demanding reviews arbitrarily. She believes the procedure results in improved outcomes because various independent groups can provide feedback. The National Trust was established partly to guarantee public involvement in choices impacting historic assets, and she noted that "the White House is arguably the nation's most iconic building."
She added that the group delayed legal measures because litigation is a final option and due to its tradition of collaborating with administrations.
During Trump's previous term, proposals for White House perimeter fencing and a tennis pavilion were sent to the National Capital Planning Commission.
Quillen avoided guessing why Trump hasn't yet submitted plans for a ballroom he has wanted for a long time and has accelerated efforts to construct since returning to office. He often mentions that the East Room and State Dining Room are insufficiently large and has disapproved of holding state dinners in outdoor tents.
Trump has suggested a 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of holding 999 people, replacing the East Wing, which was demolished in October, an action Quillen described as unexpected. The estimated cost has risen to $400 million, twice the initial figure, with no public funds to be used. The White House aims to complete the ballroom before Trump's term concludes in January 2029.
The National Trust's lawsuit claims the ballroom plans should have been presented to the National Capital Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts, and Congress beforehand. It notes that the organization contacted these bodies and the National Park Service on Oct. 21, after demolition started, requesting a pause and compliance with federal law, but received no reply.
The government responded that the ballroom plans are not final despite ongoing site preparation, with construction not expected before April 2026. It also argued that Trump has the power to alter the White House, citing historical modifications, and that the president is not bound by the statutes referenced by the National Trust.
