A federal commission on Thursday approved US President Donald Trump's plan to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, even as a judge has halted construction over funding concerns.
The National Capital Planning Commission, largely composed of Trump allies, voted 8-1 in favor of the two-story project, with two abstentions, according to The Washington Post. The proposal would place the ballroom at the East Wing site and marks the final procedural step.
Commission chair Will Scharf, who also serves as Trump's White House staff secretary, said the ballroom would provide "much-needed space to entertain VIP guests" without relying on what he called "unsightly" tents used by past administrations.
"The ballroom will be celebrated as a crucial and contributing aspect of the White House complex," he said.
Scharf said he had "personally read" public comments, dismissing some as repetitive and uninformed, and compared the project to earlier changes to the White House grounds that later became "iconic."
The approval comes despite a recent ruling by US District Judge Richard Leon, who said Trump cannot fund the $400 million project through private donations.
DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, the lone dissenting vote, criticized the proposal's scale. "It's too large. It's just too large," he said, urging a delay following the court decision.
The White House called the ruling "egregious" and said it plans to appeal.
Commission executive director Marcel Acosta said the project would expand event space while preserving "the historic integrity and cultural landscape of the White House."
Public opposition remains strong. More than 32,000 comments were submitted, with over 97% critical, according to The Washington Post.
Construction could begin as early as this month if the appeal succeeds, underscoring the administration's push to reshape one of the country's most recognizable landmarks.
