The White House has fired all six members of the Commission on Fine Arts, an independent federal agency tasked with advising the president, Congress and the city of Washington, D.C., on “matters of design and aesthetics,” according to a source familiar with the matter.
The firings came via email from an adviser to the Office of Presidential Personnel.
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the Fine Arts Commission is ending effective immediately,” read the email, which was reviewed by CNN.
The six members were appointed by former President Joe Biden to serve four-year terms.
The Washington Post was the first to report the layoffs.
The layoffs come as Trump is involved in planning a major new monument in Washington, D.C.: a triumphal arch to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary, marking his latest effort to impose his style on the nation’s capital.
The president is also overseeing a massive overhaul of the East Wing of the White House that includes a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Trump has estimated that the ballroom will cost “around $300 million” and has said it will be funded by himself and donors.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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