Proposal to Swap White House Ionic Columns for Corinthian

A Trump appointee leading a federal arts advisory panel has proposed replacing the iconic Ionic columns framing the White House's main entrance with more elaborate Corinthian columns, sparking debate among preservation experts over potential alterations to a national landmark.

Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, raised the idea during a commission meeting last month. The North Portico, completed in 1830 as the final addition by original architect James Hoban, features slender Ionic columns that have defined the building's facade for nearly two centuries. Cook suggested swapping them for Corinthian columns, which feature taller, leaf-adorned capitals and convey greater formality. "Corinthian is the highest order of column, and that's what the other two branches of our government have," Cook said. "Why the White House didn't initially use them, at least on the northern front, which is considered the front door, is beyond me."

A White House spokesperson stated there are no current plans to modify the existing columns. Cook confirmed he has not discussed the proposal directly with President Donald Trump. The change would target only the capitals atop the...