Hey Cut and Paste, how about this.
Past presidents have made changes to the White House without congressional approval, often utilizing a decades-old exemption from certain historic preservation rules. This has allowed significant renovations, including the current demolition of the East Wing for a new ballroom under President Trump.
abcnews.com
BBC
Changes to the White House by Past Presidents
Past presidents have made changes to the White House without needing congressional approval. This practice has been facilitated by a longstanding exemption from certain historic preservation rules.
Key Points
- Decades-Old Exemption: A law allows the White House, along with a few other significant buildings, to bypass the usual historic preservation review process.
- Significant Renovations: Over the years, various presidents have undertaken major renovations, including:
- The East Wing Demolition: Currently, President Trump is demolishing the East Wing to construct a new ballroom, which is the first major construction project in nearly 80 years.
- Historical Precedents: Previous renovations have included the addition of the West Wing and various interior updates, all done without congressional oversight.
Examples of Past Changes
| President | Change Made | Year |
|---|
| Thomas Jefferson | Designed the East and West Colonnades | 1801 |
| James Monroe | Added the South Portico | 1824 |
| Theodore Roosevelt | Constructed the West Wing | 1902 |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | Opened the East Wing for administrative use | 1942 |
These changes reflect a tradition of modifying the White House to meet the needs of the presidency, often without public review or congressional input.
Wikipedia
White House Historical Association