Plans for President Trump’s New Ballroom Have Been Shielded from Public Scrutiny Amidst a White House PR Offensive

Washington, D.C. – Over the past two weeks, Democracy Forward has launched an investigation into President Trump’s controversial demolition of historic sites at the White House and construction of an expensive and expansive new ballroom. In a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), General Services Administration (GSA), Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), National Park Service (NPS), and the Committee for the Preservation of the White House (CPWH), the organization is seeking information and records of communications regarding the destruction of the “people’s house.”

“The president’s destruction of the people’s house is a concerning metaphor for the way in which he regards the American people and our institutions. While trampling on American traditions, rituals, and history is nothing new for President Trump, having people hold him accountable is,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “The president cannot hide behind his private fundraising campaign to avoid accountability. The White House belongs to the people and the people have a right to know how this indulgent, vanity project is being planned and executed.” 

The Democracy Forward FOIA requests seek communications from NCPC, GSA, CFA, NPS, and CPWH officials regarding the White House Ballroom, including but not limited to the demolition of the East Wing, plans for construction of the ballroom, any legal memoranda describing justification for the project, and donor commitments to fund the project. They also seek communications with staff at the White House, including President Trump, and potential donors.

Democracy Forward has submitted nearly 1,500 FOIA requests to uncover information in the public interest and to contribute to the public’s understanding of the priorities and activities of the Trump-Vance administration. 

The FOIA requests are available here, here, and here.

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.