Trump’s Controversial Shake-Up of the Commission of Fine Arts

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to replace all six members of the independent Commission of Fine Arts, sparking concerns over transparency. This federal agency was slated to review new building projects, including a contentious new ballroom planned for the White House.

The Commission, composed of architects and urban planners, advises on capital design projects and has existed for over a century. According to reports, the Trump administration sent emails to current members, dismissing them effective immediately.

Critics are alarmed at the rapid progress of construction on the ballroom, which costs approximately $250 million, arguing that proper evaluation had not occurred. Concerns are compounded by questions surrounding the opaque funding sources for the project, prompting a call from Senator Adam Schiff for a detailed account.