The decades-old exemption that lets Trump fast-track White House rebuild
Published: 10/23/2025
US President Donald Trump plans to demolish and rebuild the White House East Wing, specifically for a new ballroom, sparking criticism from Democrats and conservation groups. Trump's renovation project highlights a decades-old exemption that allows the White House, US Capitol, and US Supreme Court to sidestep historic preservation rules, despite past presidents voluntarily submitting their plans to oversight bodies. The National Historic Preservation Act's Section 106 requires federal agencies to assess construction impacts on historic properties, but exemptions for iconic government buildings like the White House still raise concerns over the preservation of cultural landmarks.
