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cliffside

(1,490 posts)

14. Demolition for new White House ballroom doesn't need approval, Trump-appointed commission head says

Wed Oct 22, 2025, 05:18 PM

Oct 22

Posted here ...
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20738276

September 4, 2025

https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-national-planning-commission-approval-f537fa373705d560a9842b6250aee9ef

"WASHINGTON (AP) — Demolition to build President Donald Trump’s new ballroom off the East Wing of the White House can begin without approval of the commission tasked with vetting construction of federal buildings, the Trump-appointed head of the panel said Thursday.

Will Scharf, who is also the White House staff secretary, said during a public meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission that the board does not have jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation work for buildings on federal property.

“What we deal with is essentially construction, vertical build,” Scharf said. He called Trump’s promised ballroom “one of the most exciting construction projects in the modern history of” Washington.

.... Scharf said the White House hadn’t yet submitted building plans for the White House renovations but when that happens, “I’m excited for us to play a role in the ballroom project when the time is appropriate for us to do so.”

Trump deputies take over powerful D.C. planning commission
Jul 11, 2025

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/11/trump-deputies-take-over-powerful-dc-planning-commission

"Why it matters: The National Capital Planning Commission casts make-or-break votes on construction projects in key parts of the city and serves as tastemaker for design across the Washington region (see: the upcoming RFK Stadium redevelopment).

But in a twist, its three new presidentially-appointed members — all White House officials — are using it to needle Powell, claiming the Fed chair is mismanaging a costly rehab of the Fed's headquarters on Constitution Avenue, perhaps as pretext to fire him for not lowering interest rates.
Driving the news: The board's new chairman is Will Scharf, the White House staff secretary, also known as the man on TV who hands Trump executive orders to sign.

Michael Blair and Stuart Levenbach, also White House officials, were named to represent Virginia and Maryland, respectively."

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BeerBarrelPolka

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Highlight:

Stop work order: White House hasn't submitted plans for Trump's fancy ballroom despite shocking demolition [View all] cbabe Oct 22 OP

Catsup will be hitting the walls tonight... SheltieLover Oct 22 #1

I hope that "stop work order" can be enforced. I don't know if the company is still destroying hlthe2b Oct 22 #2

Could Maryland revoke the contractor's incorporation or any licensing if they continue? nt Gore1FL Oct 22 #20

Doesn't matter - as long as the Republicans get to make a mess Champp Oct 22 #3

Since contractors do not have blanket immunity compliments of SCOTUS, I doubt that they will ignore a stop order. flashman13 Oct 22 #4

Trump can just blanket pardon them Diraven Oct 22 #8

But he can't get those contractors work in the future. nt Gore1FL Oct 22 #21

You are absolutely on it Gore1FL! flashman13 Oct 22 #35

Cabinet positions will open up eventually... travelingthrulife Oct 23 #42

I read that he is destroying the entire East Wing of the White House for his Throne Room. MLWR Oct 22 #5

Another article of impeachment: Destruction of public property (nt) William Seger Oct 22 #6

The company doing the demolition without permits should be fined, and lose their construction license. patphil Oct 22 #7

Anywhere in the civilized world canetoad Oct 22 #11

By who? Diraven Oct 22 #12

You're absolutely correct. Biut that doesn't change the law...only the possibility of consequences. patphil Oct 22 #32

This is why heaven was invented. travelingthrulife Oct 23 #43

Not surprised canetoad Oct 22 #9

Nothing stops Trump BeerBarrelPolka Oct 22 #10

He should have to pay every thing out of his own pocket. multigraincracker Oct 22 #13

But he never pays it. Just keeps the appeals going. travelingthrulife Oct 23 #44

Demolition for new White House ballroom doesn't need approval, Trump-appointed commission head says cliffside Oct 22 #14

Will Scharf is tap dancing hard and fast but he's caught. cbabe Oct 22 #27

Not sure he is caught but we'll see. nt cliffside Oct 22 #39

Caught in his gaslighting lies, for starters. cbabe Oct 23 #40

Anyone surprised by this? ShazzieB Oct 22 #15

Stop work altogether, then apply the $250 million Martin Eden Oct 22 #16

And then tell him where he can go shove his stupid ballroom! Initech Oct 22 #18

His ass-hole is big enough Martin Eden Oct 22 #25

He's a two year-old poop flinger. This is his answer to the success of the No Kings rallies. diane in sf Oct 22 #17

Yup. He is proving he is a King. travelingthrulife Oct 23 #45

Probably no permits damifino10 Oct 22 #19

"Do you hear that? (Dozers) BidenRocks Oct 22 #22

Surprise! joanbarnes Oct 22 #23

OSHA needs to pay them a visit. nt Hotler Oct 22 #24

How is it even legal to tear down the east wing , it's not his f****** house Tribetime Oct 22 #26

I read the linked stories. I can find no reference to a stop work order. TomSlick Oct 22 #28

Scroll down to stop work order cbabe Oct 22 #34

When this shitshow ends, and it will end. Trump is a walking corpse.There is going to be hell to pay by a LOT of people. Joinfortmill Oct 22 #29

"It's a new law we just invented." louis-t Oct 22 #30

100% legal according to the Supreme Court and Executive Order. Maine-i-ac Oct 22 #31

Someone here on DU yesterday said they called moniss Oct 22 #33

ACECO Demolition must pay a price for doing this. pat_k Oct 22 #36

Send some dancing frogs to their office. cbabe Oct 22 #37

I'm hoping more creative minds than mine can come up with a way that is more effective than that. pat_k Oct 22 #38

On the positive side, Qutzupalotl Oct 23 #41

Like that matters? progressoid Oct 23 #46