Trump selects new architect for $300 million White House renovation project

As the government shutdown began in October, one might have expected Donald Trump to concentrate on resolving the crisis. Instead, the president directed his attention to demolishing the East Wing of the White House to construct an enormous new ballroom. Previously, Trump had claimed that the project would not disrupt the existing structure, but this promise was quickly abandoned.

During this period, the projected cost of the ballroom surged to $300 million, a 50% increase over the original estimate. Behind the scenes, further complications arose. Trump initially chose architect James McCrery, whose small firm is known for designing Catholic cathedrals, and soon expanded the scope of the project. Reports indicate the ballroom plan grew from a 500-seat space to 650 seats, then 999, and eventually 1,350 seats.

Sources also suggested that Trump envisioned a ballroom surpassing the size of both the West Wing and the Executive Mansion. Administration officials noted that the president frequently involved himself in the projects details, reviewing design and materials in multiple meetings. A model of the ballroom has reportedly become a fixture in the Oval Office.

When McCrery grew uneasy with the process, a new architect was brought in. White House officials confirmed that Shalom Baranes, of Shalom Baranes Associates, has joined the project to implement Trumps vision for the ballroom. A spokesperson stated that McCrery remains a valuable consultant, framing the transition as a passing of the baton.

The change in architects signals that Trumps new lead will now oversee a project heavily guided by the president himself. The extravagant addition, which is expected to remain largely unused for most of the year, underscores Trumps focus on personal projects rather than traditional governance.

Author: Ethan Caldwell