Trump Fires Independent Arts Commission Expected to Review White House Construction Projects

Yesterday, the White House fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency established by Congress over a century ago that had expected to review many of President Donald Trump’s construction projects, including the White House ballroom and a triumphal arch.

The Washington Post was the first to report the news, citing an e-mail they reviewed that was sent to one of the commissioners. “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately,” read the e-mail, which was sent from a staffer in the White House presidential personnel office. A White House official subsequently confirmed the terminations. “We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies,” the anonymous official said.

Per the Post, the Commission of Fine Arts “is charged with providing advice to the president, Congress and local government officials on design matters related to construction projects in the capital region. Its focus includes government buildings, monuments and memorials. White House officials have traditionally sought the agency’s approval.” Yet, CNN reported “it is not immediately clear that the Commission of Fine Arts would have any jurisdiction over the ballroom project,” with the White House insisting approval was only needed from the National Capital Planning Commission. Demolition of the East Wing, and the destruction of the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and historic magnolia trees, has already occurred.

The six commissioners were appointed by President Joe Biden for four-year terms. One, architect Bruce Becker, said the agency “plays an important role in shaping the way the public experiences our nation’s capital and the historic buildings it contains, which serve as symbols of our democracy.”

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.