Public outcry over President Donald Trump‘s $400 million White House ballroom project has forced the federal panel reviewing the plans to delay a vote until April.
The National Capital Planning Commission was expected to hear more details about the ballroom project from the White House and those involved, then vote on the construction plans on Thursday.
The public was also invited to weigh in, but after more than 100 people signed up for the meeting, the panel said it would delay the vote until April to give people a chance to comment. The public comments will continue into Friday.
But online, hundreds chimed in on their dismay at the massive ballroom plans.
The panel has now set April 2 as a final vote on the project.
Ballroom backlash
Online comments submitted on the National Capital Planning Commission page show the frustration over the $400 million project.
“The size and design of the proposed White House Ballroom are hideous,” said one comment.
A woman named Julie wrote, “Nobody asked for a giant overpriced bunker/ballroom that we, the people will never see. It’s a disgusting display of ego. This administration has gone way too far.”
Louise, who described herself as an 81-year-old grandmother, said, “It is not ‘modernizing,’ it is a serious destruction of U.S. Govt. property and should be punished the same as if done by any other persons!”
Lynn wrote, “The desecration of the East wing was horrifying to witness. It is a symbol of our country, its simplicity shows that we are not ruled by a king. We do not need a ballroom. And just for the record we do not need a Panera bread style concrete eating area either. It’s tacky.”
“As someone who works in real estate, alongside of investors and developers, the fact that Trump doesn’t have to follow the rules and regulations of obtaining proper permits and permissions like the rest of us do, is absurd and unethical. So many other fires to put out in this world right now, and all he can talk about is his golden ballroom. Just so enfuriating,” added Carol.
Legal battles
In addition to the public outcry, Trump’s ballroom project has come under fire from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which took legal action but suffered a setback.
The non-for-profit group asked a federal judge to temporarily pause the construction until the White House submitted plans to both federal panels (the NCPC and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts) and to Congress to review and approve, and for the public to comment.
On Feb. 26, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied the request.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims is the basis to do this construction project without the blessing of Congress and with private funds,” Leon wrote in his ruling.
“I have no choice but to deny Plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction for lack of likelihood of success on the merits,” Leon wrote.
Leon said if the group wants to amend its complaint, he will reconsider.
At the time, Trump praised the judge’s ruling.
“Great news for America, and our wonderful White House! The Judge on the case of what will be the most beautiful Ballroom anywhere in the World, has just thrown out, and completely erased, the effort to stop its construction,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
On Thursday, Trump said nothing (yet) but posted several ballroom renderings on Truth Social.