Project Overview & Controversy - A $300 million ballroom construction project at the White House is underway, involving demolition of the East Wing [1] - Senate Democrats are demanding transparency regarding the project's funding and potential quid pro quo arrangements with donors, including Comcast Corporation [1] - A Virginia couple filed a lawsuit seeking a public review of the demolition and construction [3] Historical Preservation Concerns - The demolition of the East Wing and Jaclyn Kennedy Garden has already occurred [4] - The DC Preservation League expressed surprise, noting the lack of public input and filings with the National Capital Planning Commission [5] - The National Trust for Historic Preservation is concerned that the 90,000 square foot ballroom will overwhelm the 55,000 square foot White House [6] - The project bypassed the traditional review process for major federal renovation projects [9] Alternatives & Justifications - An existing ballroom, the Mellon Auditorium, can accommodate 1,000 people standing or 650 sitting [7] - The administration claims the project is about modernization, while others suggest the East Wing was too small for large events [13] - 53% of Americans disagree with the demolition of the East Wing [15] Policy & Oversight - Concerns are raised about the adequacy of oversight, given that the National Capital Planning Commission is chaired by Trump's White House staff secretary [11] - There is a call for policy changes to prevent unilateral decisions on significant alterations to historic resources, advocating for combined review of demolition and new construction with public input [17]