The decades-old exemption that lets Trump fast-track White House rebuild

President Trump has begun demolishing the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom, contradicting earlier claims that the addition wouldn't affect the existing structure. This renovation has sparked opposition from Democrats and conservation groups like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who are calling for a public review process. Although the White House is exempt from a key historic preservation rule under a nearly 60-year-old law, presidents typically voluntarily submit their plans to the National Capital Planning Commission before starting construction.