Starting with the Ballrooom
Putting My Political Thoughts on the Record
March 2, 2026
The National Capital Planning Commission is currently accepting public comment on the proposed addition of a grand ballroom to the White House (the East Wing Modernization Project- File No. 8733).
I honestly don't know if I'd be as bothered by a president's desire to build a ballroom at the White House if it were anybody but Donald Trump. However, this current disaster of a commander-in-chief and presidential administration makes me want to pounce on every single thing they do. I am so utterly disgusted by their priorities, lack of values, and egregious disrespect for others, the rule of law, and the purpose of having laws in the first place. It's remarkable how they push against everything they possibly can to ensure their will is done, no matter the cost.
I attend marches, protests, and town halls with federal officials to show where I stand on what’s going on, but I’ve always been a little nervous about putting my opinions in writing and making them public. When I saw that people could submit comments about the White House ballroom, I thought, this is something I can actually write about. It’s a relatively trivial issue, at least in the sense that I’m commenting on how something looks, and somehow that makes it feel like an easier place to start getting comfortable putting my thoughts on our government out there.
And just in terms of aesthetics alone, I disapprove of the proposal. I mean, seriously, the size and scale of the ballroom appear way too large relative to the building’s architecture and established proportions. Any addition to a beautiful structure should be carefully designed to complement, not overwhelm, its existing character and size. So, this is the comment I submitted:
I strongly oppose the proposed expansion of the White House ballroom in its current form. While the concept of expanding event space at the White House may have practical merit, the way it has been presented feels dismissive of public input and overly personal. The White House is not a private residence; it belongs to the American people and represents our shared history and values. The interior vision being described comes across less like a thoughtful, institutional improvement and more like a personal design project reflecting the tastes of a temporary occupant. Decisions affecting such an enduring national symbol should demonstrate humility, broad consultation, and respect for the public trust.
I am happy to say that this comment was submitted to the record at 11:42:15 PM today, March 2, 2026.
I am proud to be an American. The kind of American who believes and affirms that the United States is a place of refuge for the world, a self-governed democratic republic with accountability, a country that can be called upon to protect others and offer aid, a land of beautiful geographic and cultural diversity, and a place for everyone and anyone to call home.
