White House announces new details on Trump’s ballroom plans will be revealed in January

The White House is set to unveil new details about President Donald Trump's planned East Wing ballroom during a hearing early next month. The National Capital Planning Commission will host the hearing on January 8, where the White House will provide an information presentation on the plans to rebuild the East Wing. The new ballroom has been a subject of controversy, with preservationists challenging it in court and Democratic lawmakers calling it an abuse of power. The project has been estimated to cost $400 million and would significantly alter the historic White House property. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is suing to halt the construction, arguing that the proposed 90,000 square foot ballroom would dwarf the rest of the White House. A judge has declined to issue a temporary restraining order against the project, citing that the size and scale of the ballroom have not been finalized. The president has taken a hands-on role in the project, which is part of his efforts to spruce up the White House and the US capital city ahead of celebrations marking the Declaration of Independence's 250th anniversary. The former East Wing was largely demolished in October with little public notice or consultation, sparking criticism from preservationists and lawmakers. The National Capital Planning Commission has declined to review the demolition and preparation activities at the site, but will conduct a formal review in the spring, considering topics such as lines of sight and public space. The public will be allowed to submit comments or testify during the review, which will take place after the initial hearing in January.