White House hasn't filed plans for Trump's new ballroom despite demolition under way

"The White House has not submitted plans for Donald Trump's new ballroom to the federal agency that oversees construction of federal buildings, though demolition is already under way. On Tuesday, the White House told Reuters it intended to send plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, an agency that typically approves and monitors construction on federal buildings. Demolition began earlier this week, with reporters taking video of a backhoe ripping out chunks of the White House's exterior."

"Plans for Trump's 90,000 sq ft ballroom were made public in the late summer, with Trump saying he would personally fund the $200m construction. Just another way to spend my money for this construction, he said at the time. White House officials insist demolition is allowed without the commission's approval. Will Scharf, the Trump-appointed head of the commission, who is also a White House staff secretary, said in September there was a difference between demolition and rebuilding work, and only the commission can approve new"

Demolition work at the White House has begun despite no submitted plans to the National Capital Planning Commission. The White House stated an intention to send plans to the commission, which normally approves and monitors federal building construction. Plans for a 90,000 sq ft ballroom and a $200 million personal funding pledge from Donald Trump were made public in late summer. White House officials maintain demolition does not require commission approval, while the commission head has said new construction must be approved by the commission. The National Trust for Historic Preservation urged a pause and public review, citing design and scale concerns.

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