Sudden Firings Rock the Commission of Fine Arts
By • November 11, 2025 0 503
The White House has fired all the members of the Commission of Fine Arts as a major White House construction project has been initiated by President Trump, who had the East Wing demolished to build a immense ballroom. The project, funded by private donors, is estimated to cost at least $300 million.
The Commission of Fine Arts has seven members, with one seat vacant at the time of the terminations. CFA advises the president, members of Congress and local government officials on matters of design and aesthetics.
The Washington Post, which first reported on the dismissal, obtained an email message reading: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Commission on Fine Arts is terminated, effective immediately.”
Commissioners are appointed by the president and serve four-year terms, for which they are not compensated. They review projects for memorials, privately owned properties, medals and coins and everything in between.
The six terminated commissioners had been appointed by President Biden to their current terms, most of which would have run through 2028. CFA Chair Billie Tsien resigned earlier this year, after chairing the panel since 2021. Her firm designed the Obama Center in Chicago, currently under construction.
Biden fired Commission of Fine Arts and National Capital Planning Commission members from the first Trump administration in 2021, citing the need to diversify the panels. The move was the first time in the CFA’s history that a president had removed sitting members, which drew some criticism.
The commission approved a tennis pavilion by first lady Melania Trump six years ago. MSN noted a similar incident nearly 80 years ago, when then-President Harry S. Truman wished to add a balcony to the White House. The CFA chair at the time said the panel could only have an advisory role, so Truman proceeded with his plans, much as Trump apparently intends to do.
