How Trump Is Making Sure His Ballroom Plans Sail Through

President Trump is pressing ahead with plans for a $400 million White House ballroom and has filled the boards and commissions that oversee the project with allies, including his former receptionist Chamberlain Harris on the Commission of Fine Arts. The panel offers advice but cannot block the project.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation criticized the new makeup, saying the commission is supposed to include experts in art, architecture and landscape architecture and that the absence of landscape architects is a "monumental deficit" for decisions about one of the nation’s most visible designed landscapes.

The White House defended the appointments. "President Trump has an incredible eye and appreciation for the arts, and only selects the most talented people possible," said spokesman Davis Ingle, adding that the appointees reflect "the values of everyday Americans and President Trump’s vision to make America great again." Mr.

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