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Trump Considers Controversial White House Column Redesign

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump weighs replacing White House columns with Corinthian designs.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chair of the Commission of Fine Arts, proposed the idea.
Architects call the plan inappropriate and contrary to historic preservation standards.
Democrats criticize related renovations, including the East Wing's demolition for a ballroom, as costly distractions.
A White House spokesperson says there are no formal plans yet.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump weighs replacing White House columns with Corinthian designs.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chair of the Commission of Fine Arts, proposed the idea.
Architects call the plan inappropriate and contrary to historic preservation standards.
Democrats criticize related renovations, including the East Wing's demolition for a ballroom, as costly distractions.
A White House spokesperson says there are no formal plans yet.