White House ballroom construction site [Reuters=Yonhap News]

Donald Trump's plan to build a ballroom larger than the White House main building has gained further momentum as the Commission of Fine Arts approved the construction plan for the White House ballroom on the 19th (local time).

President Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that day, "The Commission of Fine Arts has just approved the construction of the White House ballroom with a unanimous vote of 6-0. One member abstained due to a conflict of interest in their professional involvement with the project."

He added, "There was great praise for the beauty and scale of the building," and "I thank the members of the commission."

The Commission of Fine Arts is a federal advisory body that reviews federal architecture and monument design, and all seven of its members were appointed by President Trump. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the vote as he was an initial designer of the project.

AP reported that Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, said prior to the vote that day, "Our current president has designed a very beautiful structure," and "America should not be hosting the world from a tent."

The White House began construction of the ballroom in October last year after demolishing the East Wing.

Previously, the White House East Room could only accommodate about 200 people, posing limitations on hosting banquets and reception events attended by foreign leaders and distinguished guests. President Trump's plan is to build a large ballroom that can accommodate about 1,000 people to resolve this issue.

The construction costs, estimated at $300-400 million (approximately 436.5-582.1 billion won), are to be covered by donations from corporations and individuals.

Criticism has been raised that the demolition of the White House East Wing by President Trump to build the new ballroom lacked sufficient detailed review, congressional approval, and public deliberation.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to halt the construction of the ballroom, and the court's decision has not yet been made.

The ballroom construction plan, which received approval from the Commission of Fine Arts today, is scheduled for further discussion at the National Capital Planning Commission on the 5th of next month.