Full Breakdown
Trump Hires New Architect for White House Ballroom Amid Controversy
12/7/2025, 10:35:45 PM
Overview of the Ballroom Project
President Donald Trump has appointed Shalom Baranes Associates as the new lead architect for the White House ballroom project, following disagreements with the original architect, James McCrery II. The decision comes as the administration aims to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, significantly larger than the existing East Room, to accommodate large events. The project has faced scrutiny due to its ambitious scope and the demolition of the East Wing, which was completed in October 2025.
Background and Context
The ballroom project has been a point of contention since its inception. Trump’s vision for the ballroom has expanded, leading to conflicts with McCrery, whose firm is primarily known for designing churches and smaller buildings. McCrery expressed concerns that the new ballroom would overshadow the main White House structure. Despite these issues, he will remain involved as a consultant.
Key Figures Involved
- Donald Trump: President of the United States, advocating for the ballroom project.
- Shalom Baranes: Newly appointed lead architect, known for his extensive experience with federal buildings, including a significant renovation of the Pentagon.
- James McCrery II: Original architect who has stepped back from the lead role due to disagreements over the project’s scale.
Official Statements & Responses
White House spokesman Davis Ingle emphasized Baranes's qualifications, stating, “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades.” He described the transition to Baranes as a “passing of the baton” rather than a complete replacement of McCrery. The administration aims to complete the ballroom before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029.
Criticism & Opposition
The project has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the demolition of the East Wing without prior approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). A recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll indicated that 56% of Americans oppose the demolition and ballroom construction. Critics, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, have introduced the “No Palaces Act,” which would require NCPC review for demolitions on White House grounds and mandate congressional approval for future private donations used in building projects.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the White House maintains that the NCPC does not have jurisdiction over demolitions, critics argue that the commission should oversee such significant changes to historic structures. The lack of transparency and oversight in the project has raised alarms among historic preservationists and some lawmakers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.” — Davis Ingle, White House Spokesman
- “It’s not Donald Trump’s house, it’s the people’s house,” — Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator
The ballroom project continues to evolve amid ongoing debates about its implications for historic preservation and the role of private funding in public spaces.
