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Orange Buffoon

(241 posts)
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 12:41 PM 7 hrs ago

Here's how to stop construction of the grand ballroom

To all:
The National Capital Planning Commission has scheduled its final vote on approving President Trump’s grand ballroom project for April 2, having delayed it from March 5 because of the tremendous public comment it has received. The commission is stacked with Trump cronies. The New York Times published a two-page spread in its paper edition today detailing the architectural details of the project and the commission’s rescheduled vote. I have written the following letter and mailed it by regular mail to the commission; I will also, on the opening of the comment period at noon on Mar. 16, send it through the online portal (the NCPC’s preferred method, although I think flooding the mails will be more impressive). Please take a moment to write your own letter and likewise submit it. Turning aside this ill-considered project depends on a mass outpouring of condemnation. Thanks for your consideration. Here are the commission’s address and phone number: National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th St. NW, #500N, Washington, DC 20004. Ph. (202)482-7200.

Written comments can also be submitted through the online portal, beginning at 12 p.m. on March 16th. Instructions are here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/guidelines/#:~:text=The%20NCPC%20welcomes%20public%20comment%20on%20items,meetings%20Meetings%20are%20live%2Dstreamed%2C%20videotaped%2C%20and%20transcribed.

Here is what I wrote, for better or worse:

To the National Capital Planning Commission:
This unsightly project is just another example of President Trump forcing his will on the American people for something they do not want. The American people liked the White House the way it was, before Trump moved in with bulldozers in the dead of night—illegally, without following rules or the normal required procedures, the way he does everything. The American people were aghast at the destruction of their sacred seat of government. They do not want this monstrosity, this outsized gaudy edifice to Trump’s towering ego. They view it with revulsion. Please in your ruling side with the sentiments of the American people—who overwhelmingly have expressed their condemnation of a project that, from the beginning, has flouted constitutional legality. Of the 32,000 comments that you have received from the public on this project, 98 percent have been negative. Only 1 percent have been positive (NY Times, March 7, p. A12). You have the power to bring a halt to this travesty. Do not neglect your duty to do so out of a desire to “please the boss.” History is watching.

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lastlib

(28,038 posts)
2. Bookmarked
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 01:08 PM
7 hrs ago

I'll send my comments on tRump's abomination this week. All Americans should do likewise!

sop

(18,331 posts)
4. Trump was accused of "anticipatory demolition" several times as a real estate developer in NYC.
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 01:50 PM
6 hrs ago

"Anticipatory demolition" is when a developer quickly tears down a historically significant structure before preservationists or local authorities can intervene or secure an injunction. Developers like Trump know it's almost impossible to rebuild a historically significant building after it's been torn down.

Trump demolished the entire East Wing of the White House without proper public review or the necessary approvals from federal agencies like the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). Trump claimed he didn't need a demolition permit, only a construction permit for his ballroom, which would be approved later.

Easterncedar

(6,069 posts)
5. Yes, thank you. Stopping this would be wonderful
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 01:57 PM
6 hrs ago

I feel sick every time I think about the destruction and desecration of the White House.

ancianita

(43,256 posts)
8. THANK YOU. The destruction of The People's White House will always be an abomination in US history.
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 02:53 PM
5 hrs ago
I hope you don't mind if I "borrow" some of your letter, esp the data near the end.

Ol Janx Spirit

(977 posts)
10. Not to be overly cynical, but the NCPC is an independent agency within the executive branch of the federal government.
Sat Mar 7, 2026, 03:12 PM
5 hrs ago

Yeah, THAT executive branch. The one Emperor Tangerine controls. And the one that the SCOTUS has basically cleared the way for whatever actions he wants to take within it.

I've written to the Commission too, but my expectation is that the White House will either outright ignore any determination by the Commission since he also controls the only enforcement mechanisms, or he will simply dissolve the board or pack it with sycophants.

There is far too much power aggregated in the executive branch....

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