Maryland Contractors Scrub Websites Amid White House Ballroom Renovation Backlash

Several Maryland-based contractors connected to a planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom have reduced or removed their online presence amid growing public criticism.

“The poll finds 45% of Americans “strongly” oppose the East Wing demolition”

ABC

Some larger firms continue to promote their involvement in the project despite the backlash.

ABC

Straight Arrow News reports that companies like Aceco, responsible for demolition, and EAI Rolloff, handling debris removal, took down their websites and social media accounts.

McCrery Architects also limited its website to a single page.

The outlet references a Washington Post poll showing that 56% of respondents oppose demolishing the East Wing, while 28% support it.

The Washington Examiner highlights the project's size and estimated cost of $250–$300 million, which is funded by private donations and involves the destruction of the East Wing.

Forbes describes the ballroom as intended for former President Donald Trump and notes funding from Trump and donors such as the Winklevoss twins and an individual named "Harold G."

Fox News points out the political disputes surrounding the project's priority and funding, emphasizing that it is supported by private donors rather than taxpayer money.

The network also calls attention to an inaccurate statement made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during the shutdown debate.

Regulatory oversight and approvals remain unclear.

news.meaww reports that the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) has not been confirmed to review the plans.

CBS News

Experts suggest that Trump might rely on Harry Truman’s 1947 precedent to proceed without full CFA approval.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation urges a halt to demolition until public reviews occur with both the CFA and National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).

The Daily Beast highlights uncertainty about whether the CFA will review the 90,000-square-foot ballroom.

The White House has not confirmed if CFA approval is required but states that all relevant agencies are being consulted.

Ballroom plans have not yet been submitted to the NCPC, according to The Daily Beast.

NBC News provides historical context on presidents bypassing the CFA and notes Trump-appointed members at the NCPC.

CBS News reports that a White House official confirmed plans will be submitted to the NCPC even as CFA review remains uncertain.

Personnel shake-ups are portrayed very differently across outlets, with some describing sweeping dismissals that clear the path for construction.

“The text provided does not contain any news content to summarize”

CNN

Free Malaysia Today says a recent firing eliminates a major hurdle, citing criticism from architectural historians and Democrats like Hillary Clinton, and noting the Society of Architectural Historians’ concerns about the historic White House.

Washington Examiner reports that controversy over the privately funded, $250–$300 million ballroom has led to dismissals affecting the main commission, while the Old Georgetown Board remains unchanged.

In sharper terms, Fairfield Sun Times claims US President Donald Trump has dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, arguing this clears the way for a ballroom and even a triumphal arch.

Irish Star similarly says the Trump administration has abruptly dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, replacing them with loyalists and tying it to a broader Project 2025 agenda.

Preservationists and the public are depicted as key sources of resistance.

Straight Arrow News cites a Washington Post poll showing majority opposition to demolishing the East Wing, with 56% opposed and 28% in support.

Fairfield Sun Times

The report also details Maryland contractors reducing visibility because of backlash.

The Daily Beast and news.meaww both report that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has called for demolition to halt until legally mandated reviews by the CFA and NCPC occur.

Free Malaysia Today adds that the Society of Architectural Historians raised concerns about harm to the historic White House.

Washington Examiner underscores that demolition of the East Wing has fueled public criticism, particularly among Democrats.

Politics and messaging further polarize the coverage.

“The article discusses the ongoing construction of a new ballroom for former President Donald Trump at the White House East Wing, which began after the 123-year-old wing was demolished”

Forbes

Fox News highlights an inaccurate claim by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about the ballroom being the administration’s top shutdown priority and stresses private rather than taxpayer funding.

Forbes

NBC News reports plans to appoint new CFA members aligned with “America First” policies and notes Trump appointees at the NCPC.

The Daily Beast and news.meaww raise alarms about potential bypassing of normal review, a proposed triumphal arch, and allies at NCPC.

CBS News adds that President Trump appointed three new NCPC members, including chair William Scharf.

Irish Star goes further, tying the reshuffle to Project 2025 and accusing the moves of echoing “authoritarian propaganda.”