Donald Trump has fired all six members of an independent federal agency responsible for reviewing his controversial White House ballroom and planned “Arc de Trump” in Washington DC.
The Washington Post first reported that all members of the Commission of Fine Arts were dismissed on Tuesday.
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission of Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately,” read an email sent to one of the commissioners, which was obtained by the Post.
A White House official told the Guardian: “We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s America First Policies.”
The Commission of Fine Arts was established in 1910, and is tasked with “giving expert advice to the President, the Congress and the federal and District of Columbia governments on matters of design and aesthetics”, according to its website.
Its purview includes reviewing designs proposed for memorials and new or renovated government buildings, and the commission is intended to be staffed by experts in art, architecture and urban design. There is no indication about whom Trump plans to appoint to the commission.
Earlier this month, Trump unveiled plans for a grand arch close to the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington. The design mimics the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but with a gold Lady Liberty on top. Trump said the design could be “small, medium, large”, but added: “I happen to like the large one.”
Last week, Americans were treated to the sight of a construction crew tearing down part of the East Wing of the White House, as Trump prepares to build a $300m ballroom, funded by wealthy donors.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump’s ballroom plan, according to a Yahoo/YouGov poll released on Tuesday. About 25% approve.
