Planning board approves Trump’s White House ballroom plans

The National Capital Planning Commission approved Thursday President Donald Trump’s plans for a new White House ballroom, which comes after a federal judge paused construction on the project on Tuesday because of a lack of congressional approval.U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the order at the behest of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and imposed a 14-day stay on the order to allow the administration to appeal.
Will Scharf, the chair of the planning commission and the White House staff secretary, said the judge’s order should not impact the commission’s vote and the plans for the project to move forward, according to the New York Times.
“[I believe] this ballroom will be considered every bit as much of a national treasure as the other key components of the White House,” Scharf said in a statement. “I believe that in time, the nation and successive presidents of both parties and all political stripes long into the future will be grateful to President Trump for having initiated and brought this project into being.” 
Trump has largely funded the $400 million project through his own personal finances and support from private donations. The creation of the ballroom is set to fulfill a longstanding wish of past presidents, many of whom have lamented that the White House grounds lacked a suitable space for large state events.
Phil Mendelson, a Democratic member of the commission, was the sole member who voted against approving the project, claiming it was “too large” and the process to approve it was rushed.
“If we can get the same program, but not as tall, not competing in height with the main structure and a condensed footprint, we are better for that,” Mendelson said.
Trump said in February that the construction project is “on budget” and set to be completed “ahead of schedule.” The president has already leveled a wing of the White House to build the ballroom.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage. 

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