The White House on Tuesday terminated the entire federal agency tasked with reviewing Donald Trump’s construction projects, including his planned triumphal arch and White House ballroom. All six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which provides advice to the president, Congress, and local government officials on design matters related to construction projects in the capital region, are out.
“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,” reads an email, The Washington Post reports.
“The commission, which was established by Congress more than a century ago and traditionally includes a mix of architects and urban planners, is charged with providing advice to the president, Congress and local government officials on design matters related to construction projects in the capital region,” the outlet reports. “Its focus includes government buildings, monuments and memorials. White House officials have traditionally sought the agency’s approval.”
According to author Michael Wolff, Trump wanted to keep the destruction of the White House’s East Wing hidden from the American public. “[Trump] said—this was given to me as a quote—he said, ‘F—. But can we do the demolition at night?“ Wolff recalled.
