WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The White House on Tuesday removed all six members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, an independent agency that reviews major design projects across the nation’s capital. The decision marks a sweeping change as President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his own construction plans, including a proposed White House ballroom and a triumphal arch in Washington.
According to emails reviewed by The Washington Post, the commissioners received notice of their termination effective immediately. The message, sent by a White House personnel staffer, stated, “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position … is terminated.”
The Commission of Fine Arts, created by Congress more than 100 years ago, advises the president, Congress, and local officials on design and architecture for government buildings, monuments, and memorials in the capital region. Traditionally, the commission includes architects, designers, and urban planners who help shape the look and feel of Washington’s landmarks.
Former President Joe Biden appointed the six commissioners to four-year terms that were expected to last through 2028. Their sudden removal paves the way for Trump to install his own allies on the panel as he moves to fast-track several high-profile projects.
A White House official confirmed the dismissals Tuesday night. The move comes as the administration prepares to move forward with Trump’s $300 million ballroom project and other construction plans tied to his vision for the capital.
Bruce Becker, an architect and one of the terminated commissioners, said in an interview that the agency plays a crucial role in preserving the city’s historic beauty. “The commission shapes the way the public experiences our nation’s capital and the buildings that reflect our democracy,” Becker said.
This is not the first time Trump has reshaped Washington’s design review boards. In July, the White House also removed Biden-era appointees from the National Capital Planning Commission, another agency responsible for reviewing external construction projects. The 12-member board is now led by Trump loyalists, including Will Scharf, Trump’s staff secretary, who serves as chairman.
Officials said plans for the new ballroom will soon go to the National Capital Planning Commission for review. It remains unclear whether the project will also require approval from the Commission of Fine Arts. A White House official, speaking anonymously to discuss internal matters, said all necessary agencies are being consulted before construction begins.
In past administrations, the Fine Arts Commission reviewed and approved major White House projects. In 2019, the panel signed off on a new tennis pavilion championed by then-First Lady Melania Trump. However, Trump may bypass the commission’s review of his ballroom. He could cite historical precedent, including President Harry S. Truman’s decision in 1947 to add a balcony to the White House without the commission’s approval. At that time, the commission’s chairman said the panel served only in an advisory role.
Architectural experts say Trump could use that precedent to justify moving forward without the commission’s sign-off. Yet, some of the fired members expected to be involved in reviewing designs for the planned triumphal arch, which may be built on federal land not exempt from such oversight.
This week’s dismissals mirror actions taken by Biden in 2021, when he fired Trump appointees from both the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. At the time, the Biden administration said the changes were meant to bring new diversity and fresh perspectives to the panels. It was the first time in history that a president had removed sitting Fine Arts Commission members, a move that drew criticism from some art and architecture experts.
The commission has lacked a permanent chair since early this year. Architect Billie Tsien, who had led the panel since 2021, stepped down when her term expired in May. Tsien, who is also helping design the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, said she expected Trump would not reappoint her.
With the commission now vacant, Trump’s team is expected to quickly fill the positions. His allies say the goal is to align the agency’s vision with his ambitious construction plans for Washington.
The shake-up underscores Trump’s determination to leave a lasting imprint on the nation’s capital. From a lavish White House ballroom to a towering triumphal arch, his building agenda is poised to redefine some of the city’s most symbolic spaces — and once again stir debate over how presidents shape the landscape of American democracy.
