Trump recruits a new architect for his $300M White House ballroom following disagreements with previous one over its size

President Donald Trump has replaced the architect originally in charge of his $300 million White House ballroom project after disagreements regarding the size of the 90,000-square-foot space, according to reports.

James McCrery II and his boutique firm had been involved in the project for three months until October. Sources say McCrery and Trump disagreed over the presidents plans to enlarge the ballroom. Challenges including the firms limited team size and difficulties meeting deadlines reportedly contributed to the transition.

It remains unclear if McCrery departed voluntarily, but both parties are said to maintain amicable relations. Trump has now selected Shalom Baranes to lead the project. Baranes firm has a long history of federal projects, including work on the main Treasury building and the General Services Administration headquarters.

A White House spokesperson stated, As we move into the next stage of the White House Ballroom, we are thrilled to welcome the highly skilled Shalom Baranes, whose expertise will help bring President Trumps vision to life. This will be the most significant addition to the White House since the Oval Office.

McCrery will continue to contribute as a consultant while the project advances to the next phase.

Will Scharf, Trumps staff secretary and chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, noted that the White House intends to submit formal plans for the new ballroom later this month. Once plans are submitted, thats when the commissions role begins, he said.

Earlier this year, the East Wing was demolished to make way for the ballroom, prompting legislation from Senator Richard Blumenthal to impose stricter oversight on White House construction and demolition. The proposed No Palaces Act would require commission approval for demolitions and allow Congress to reject proposed changes to historic structures.

The White House has stressed that the ballroom will be fully funded through private donations. Contributors include major tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Google, crypto firms Coinbase and Ripple, and the family of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, among others.

Democrats recently proposed legislation to restrict donations, barring contributions from individuals with conflicts of interest, preventing the president and vice president from donating, and requiring transparency in donor identities.

Author: Connor Blake