Trump appoints new architect to oversee $300m gilded ballroom project

Donald Trump has appointed a new architect to lead the $300 million White House ballroom project, replacing the original designer.

According to reports, James McCrery II and his boutique firm had been managing the project for over three months until late October. Differences arose between Trump and McCrery, particularly regarding the expansion of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom. Ultimately, sources indicate that the firms limited resources and missed deadlines led to the change.

It remains unclear whether McCrery stepped down voluntarily, though insiders suggest the separation was amicable. The White House has confirmed that Shalom Baranes will take over as the lead architect. Baranes has a notable portfolio, including major federal projects such as the main Treasury building near the White House.

White House spokesperson David Ingle praised the appointment, stating, As we move into the next phase of the White House Ballroom, we are thrilled to welcome Shalom Baranes to the team. His expertise and experience in shaping Washingtons architectural landscape will be invaluable in realizing the Presidents vision.

The White House also noted that McCrery will remain involved as a consultant on the project.

Earlier in October, Trump faced criticism after satellite images revealed the complete demolition of the East Wing to make way for the ballroom, contradicting his prior assurances that the existing structure would remain intact. That month, Trump also dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, the federal agency overseeing the ballroom project and the proposed Arc de Trump in Washington, D.C.

Author's Commentary: Leadership Shift in White House Ballroom Project

The recent appointment of Shalom Baranes as the lead architect for the $300 million White House ballroom project marks a decisive turn in its management. After over three months under James McCrery II, sources point to missed deadlines and limited resources as the primary reasons for the transition, though the separation appears to have remained professional.

Baranes brings extensive experience in federal architecture, including work on the main Treasury building, suggesting the project will now benefit from a stronger institutional background. The White House has emphasized continuity, noting that McCrery will remain as a consultant, maintaining some of the original design insight.

This change comes amid prior controversies, including the East Wing demolition and the dismissal of the Commission of Fine Arts. The leadership shift may signal an effort to stabilize the project and reassure stakeholders that the President’s vision for the expanded 90,000-square-foot ballroom is on track.

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• Trump replaces architect overseeing $300m gilded ballroom project