A Shift in Artistic Vision at the White House

The White House has recently removed six members from the U. S. Commission of Fine Arts. This group usually gives advice on the design of federal buildings, monuments, and even coins. The commission has been around for over a century, since 1910. It has had a hand in shaping important landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Those who were let go include Bruce Redman Becker, Peter D. Cook, Lisa E. Delplace, William J. Lenihan, Justin Garrett Moore, and Hazel Ruth Edwards, who was the vice chair. The chair position is now empty after Billie Tsien stepped down. Tsien is known for her work on the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The White House mentioned that they are planning to bring in new members who better fit President Trump's "America First Policies. " The former commissioners were set to advise on projects like a new White House ballroom and a monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, neither of these projects had been reviewed yet. President Trump has not yet announced who the new commissioners will be. During his first term, Justin Shubow, who is a big fan of traditional architecture, served as chair. James McCrery, the architect behind the White House ballroom, was also part of the commission. In 2021, President Biden fired four commissioners who had been appointed by Trump. This included Shubow. It seems that the commission's membership is often a reflection of the president's architectural preferences.