The main mansion reaches 70 feet on the south side, according to the White House Historical Association. Baranes told the panel that the White House had abandoned plans to make the ballroom larger. Commission Vice Chair Stuart Levenbach praised the plans, saying such an addition to the White House was needed. The commission’s membership now tilts heavily toward Trump, including two other White House officials and nine Cabinet members. The Trump White House has compressed or bypassed some of those steps.

Source: Washington Post January 09, 2026 03:17 UTC