Trump ousts fine arts commission that would advise on ballroom

The White House fired six commissioners Tuesday on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a body that advises on planning federal projects and memorials in Washington that could have been a counterweight in President Donald Trump’s efforts to build a White House ballroom and triumphal arch in the nation’s capital.

A White House official confirmed the removal of the commissioners Wednesday.

“We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s America First Policies,” said the official, who was granted anonymity to discuss personnel matters.

The firings come as President Donald Trump, a former real estate developer, seeks to leave an indelible mark on the architecture of the nation’s capital, including a contentious plan to build a $300 million ballroom that included last week’s demolition of the East Wing of the White House. Some called for the Commission of Fine Arts to be consulted before that project moves forward.