Top Dems probe Trump ballroom, East Wing demolition

The investigation includes scrutiny of donors funding President Donald Trump's project.
E&E DAILY |Three top Senate Democrats are asking the White House to answer questions and turn over documents about President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom project, which involved demolition of the mansion's East Wing.
Environment and Public Works ranking member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ranking member Gary Peters (D-Mich.) are leading the probe, saying the panels share jurisdiction over the White House structure and its grounds.
A primary concern for the lawmakers is Trump relying on donations for the project, including Florida-based NextEra Energy and Continental Resources Chair Harold Hamm.
“By substituting transparent, appropriated federal funds with opaque private donations, you permit wealthy special interests to buy access to the President and influence over official decisions,” the Democratswrote in a letter.
The lawmakers also told the president, "Your approach to this project is also likely illegal," because the administration didn't provide enough input to agencies like the National Park Service.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said duringa recent briefingthat the National Capital Planning Commission’s general counsel ruled the Trump was not legally required to submit construction plans for demolition.
“That’s a legal opinion that's been held by the NCPC for many years,” said Leavitt. “There have been many presidents in the past who have made their mark on this beautiful White House complex.”
The National Capital Planning Commission helps oversee federal building development in Washington. It's currently chaired by Trump aide William Scharf.
The presidentthis week firedsix remaining members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which provides advice on federal buildings and memorials.