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The National Trust for Historic Preservation urged the Trump administration to pause demolition of the White House East Wing while plans for President Trump's proposed ballroom undergo legally required public review. In a Tuesday letter to the National Capital Planning Commission, National Park Service and Commission of Fine Arts, the Trust warned the annex's size could overwhelm the mansion. The Society of Architectural Historians and the American Institute of Architects echoed scale concerns, though none has statutory authority. The White House dismissed "manufactured outrage," called the addition "privately funded," and said presidents have long sought a larger event space.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.