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Trump Replaces Architect Amid White House Renovation Controversy

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump replaced architect James McCrery II with Shalom Baranes for the White House ballroom project after disagreements over its size.
McCrery left amicably and remains a consultant.
The White House praised Baranes for significant federal projects.
In October, satellite images showed East Wing demolition, contradicting promises.
Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which oversees the ballroom project and Arc de Trump.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump replaced architect James McCrery II with Shalom Baranes for the White House ballroom project after disagreements over its size.
McCrery left amicably and remains a consultant.
The White House praised Baranes for significant federal projects.
In October, satellite images showed East Wing demolition, contradicting promises.
Trump dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, which oversees the ballroom project and Arc de Trump.