WASHINGTON (AP) — Demolition to make way for President Donald Trump’s planned $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House can begin immediately, according to the Trump-appointed chair of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).

During the panel’s only public meeting before site work begins, Will Scharf, who also serves as White House staff secretary, said the commission does not have jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation on federal property.

“What we deal with is essentially construction, vertical build,” Scharf said, describing the project as “one of the most exciting construction projects in the modern history of” Washington.

The ballroom would represent the first major structural change to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948 and is intended to reshape both the East and West Wings of the Executive Mansion.

Commission Role and Oversight

The NCPC typically approves construction and major renovations of federal buildings in the Washington area. But Scharf drew a clear line between early demolition work and the eventual rebuilding phase.

“I think any assertion that this commission should have been consulted earlier than it has been, or it will be, is simply false,” he said.

He confirmed that the White House has not yet submitted architectural plans but added:

“I’m excited for us to play a role in the ballroom project when the time is appropriate for us to do so.”

When asked if NCPC approval might delay construction, Scharf clarified:

“Demolition and site preparation work can certainly occur, but if you’re talking about actually building anything, then, yeah, it should go through our approval process.”

A Builder’s Vision

Scharf praised Trump’s hands-on approach, saying:

“Given the president’s history as a builder, and given the plans that we’ve seen publicly I think this will be a tremendous addition to the White House complex, a sorely needed addition.”

Trump, who has been personally involved in White House upgrades since returning to office in January, reportedly hopes to complete the ballroom by the end of his term in January 2029. Recently, he toured the roof of the Executive Mansion with construction crews.

Expert Caution on Early Involvement

Former NCPC chair L. Preston Bryant Jr., appointed under President Barack Obama, urged the White House to collaborate with the commission sooner rather than later.

“The White House and its design team would be very, very wise to involve NCPC and its staff very much on the front end of the project – in the early design stages – as it’ll make for a better project and help ensure it meets all regulatory and legal compliances,” Bryant said. “I cannot stress enough the value to be had at the conceptual and early consultation stages.”

Broader Tensions with Federal Projects

Scharf also criticized the Federal Reserve during the meeting, accusing it of ignoring NCPC oversight on its renovation plans.

He said he planned to send a letter noting his “severe concerns,” adding:

“They could build an amusement park on their property and no one would have any qualms.”

The Fed, however, maintains its project changes were minor and not subject to additional review. A spokesperson declined comment.

Scharf later said:

“I’m hopeful that they’ll see the light of day and come back in and re-present their construction project as they should have up front.”

With demolition cleared, Trump’s ballroom proposal is set to mark the most dramatic transformation of the “People’s House” in decades — reshaping its physical landscape while also reigniting debates over transparency and federal oversight in Washington’s most iconic building.

Originally reported by The Associated Press in WTOP News.