NonilexOct 28

White House fires #ArtsCommission expected to review #Trump construction projects

The moves come as Trump pursues efforts to build a White House #ballroom & a triumphal arch in Washington.

#law #art #architecture #HistoricLandmark #oversight #accountability
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/28/trump-arts-commission-firings-ballroom-arch/

White House fires arts commission expected to review Trump construction projects

The move comes as President Donald Trump pursues efforts to build a White House ballroom and a triumphal arch in Washington.

The Washington Post
Show threadNonilexOct 28
The White House on Tuesday fired ALL 6 members of the #CommissionOnFineArts, an #independent #FederalAgency that was expected to review some of #Trump’s construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch in Washington.

“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission on Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately,” reads an email reviewed by WaPo that was sent to one of the commissioners by a White House staffer.
Show threadNonilex
The commission, which was established by #Congress more than a century ago & traditionally includes a mix of architects & urban planners, is charged with providing advice to the president, Congress & local government officials on design matters related to construction projects in the Capitol region. Fmr president Joe Biden appointed the 6 sitting commissioners to 4-year terms, several of which should have extended through 2028.
#law #art #architecture #HistoricLandmark #oversight #accountability
Oct 28 at 11:03pmWeb
Show threadNonilexOct 28

Their termination comes as the White House gears up to implement several #Trump construction projects, including his planned $300 million White House #ballroom, & seeks to install allies on key review boards.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about its termination of #CommissionOnFineArts members.

#law #art #architecture #HistoricLandmark #oversight #accountability

Show threadNonilexOct 28

The White House in July also fired #Biden appointees from the National Capital Planning Commission, another #UrbanPlanning agency that is required to review external construction projects at the White House. The 12-member board is now led by a majority of #Trump allies, including its chairman, Trump staff secretary Will Scharf.

#law #art #architecture #HistoricLandmark #oversight #accountability

Show threadNonilexOct 28

The White House has said it would soon send Trump’s ballroom plans to the National Capital Planning Commission [after #Trump already tore down the #EastWing], which will decide whether to approve the new building. White House officials previously declined to comment on whether they planned to also send the plans to the #CommissionOnFineArts, & whether approval from that agency was necessary for the #ballroom project to move forward.

#law #art #architecture #HistoricLandmark #accountability

Show threadKinene⭐🐻Oct 28

@Nonilex Dump doesn't want the commission to oversee his bunker "improvement" project. Check out all the defense contractors that contributed to the fund.

The East Wing was over a bunker built during WWII.

https://www.the-sentinel-intelligence.net/its-not-a-ballroom-its-a-bunker/

It's Not a Ballroom. It's a Bunker.

And there's a reason.

The Sentinel-Intelligence
Show threadRobert HOct 29
@Nonilex Is this the same commission that approved the Vietnam war memorial?