Just so we're all clear on the gravity and historical significance of what Trump has done to the East Wing ...

[sop]

4. The NPS has strict guidelines for reviewing any White House construction projects, that hasn't been done here.

(BBC) "Though the White House and its adjoining parks are administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the president generally has broad powers to make renovations...The NPS has guidelines and a rigorous review process for any construction. That includes things like reviewing in-depth plans for a project, vetting the architect and designs and reviewing the costs...That...hasn't been done here...This building is so important. It's considered, I think, to be the most important executive building in the world – yet we just don't know what's happening and I think that's very inappropriate...The White House has released some information on the project, including drawings that give a sense of its scale and a new interior that includes seating for hundreds and decadent gold chandeliers."

"Robert K Sutton, former chief historian of the NPS, told the BBC that there is always public concern when the White House goes under construction...'There has been controversy with anything going on related to the White House pretty much since it was built,' he said."

"Sutton said an extensive review process is typically in place for projects like this to ensure there is functionality to any changes, and that the White House sticks to its iconic appearance - noting these changes will outlive presidents and generations...He said he worried that this process is being rushed and will be a reflection of Trump and his signature style instead of the country's history...'It's always been called the People's House,' he said."

"The new White House renovation project has also been criticised by the Society of Architectural Historians, an international non-profit group that studies the preservation of historic buildings worldwide. In a statement last week, the group said it 'expresses great concern over the proposed ballroom additions,' which it notes, 'will be the first major change to its exterior appearance in the last 83 years (since the East Wing in its current form was built in 1942)...Therefore, such a significant change to a historic building of this import should follow a rigorous and deliberate design and review process'...The American Institute of Architects has also expressed alarm, and called for a transparent review of the project."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ced6np51532o