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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 8: White House Staff Secretary and NCPC Chairman Will Scharf (R) says "Overall, it's an easy process. We're going to be hearing from the project team today. This is informational presentation. We'll have opportunities for questions and comments from commissioners. My objective from the start, has been for the NCPC to play a productive role as this ballroom project moves ahead. NCPC has in our professional staff has an incredible amount of expertise and experience, dealing with complex construction projects and monumental construction projects, in the DC area. And I, have great confidence that NCPC will be able to play a productive role, in this project as well. In the months ahead. So I'm excited, for the presentation. And, I'm excited to continue, the consultations that have already begun at the staff level between NCPC staff, and, the White House and the ballroom project team more generally." during a monthly NCPC meeting with fellow NCPC Commissioner Michael Blair on January 8, 2026 in Washington, DC. During the meeting, the commission reviewed details of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for the construction of a new $400 million ballroom at the White House, which began months ago and will replace the demolished two-story East Wing. (Footage by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)