• Trump's ballroom project cleared a major hurdle with unanimous approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
• The proposed ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, accommodating about 1,000 people.
• Despite the approval, over 99% of public feedback received was reportedly negative.
• The upcoming discussion by the National Capital Planning Commission is set for March 5.
• A lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation is pending to halt construction.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted unanimously to approve President Trump's proposal for a new ballroom at the White House, a significant step forward in the construction process. The new ballroom is planned to be nearly twice the size of the existing White House, located on the site of the former East Wing, which was demolished last October. Architects presented alterations to the design that addressed earlier concerns, leading to quick approval. Chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr. emphasized the need for such a space, stating, "The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents," referencing the temporary structures historically used for state functions, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and Channel News Asia.

The commission's support came despite an overwhelming public backlash, with over 99% of more than 2,000 public comments received before the meeting reportedly opposing the project. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency regarding funding and the process of demolishing the East Wing without prior approvals. Thomas Luebke, the commission's secretary, noted the public's discontent, stating that "the vast majority is negative," according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is attempting to seek a halt to construction through a pending lawsuit, arguing that the ballroom's dimensions and the demolition of the East Wing do not respect the historical significance of the White House. This legal challenge adds to the controversy surrounding the project and highlights the tension between historic preservation and the administration's architectural ambitions, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

In a notable procedural development, the National Capital Planning Commission, which holds jurisdiction over federal construction plans, is expected to review the ballroom proposal in detail during its upcoming meeting on March 5. This commission's input will be crucial before any construction can proceed, as the complexities of federal oversight in such projects remain a priority amidst the political and public scrutiny surrounding them, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.