Full Breakdown
Shalom Baranes Takes on Controversial White House Ballroom Project
3/22/2026, 2:58:51 AM
Architect's Background and Project Overview
Shalom Baranes, a prominent architect known for his extensive work in Washington, D.C., has agreed to oversee the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, a project valued at $400 million. This decision has raised eyebrows among colleagues and preservationists, particularly given Baranes' history of criticizing President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Baranes, 75, is the son of Jewish Libyan refugees and has expressed deep concerns about the current administration's stance on immigration, stating, “What’s happening now is heartbreaking.” He has previously emphasized the importance of normalizing immigration policies in the United States.
Baranes took over the project after the original architect, James McCrery II, stepped down. The ballroom addition is intended to provide a larger entertaining space for state dinners and other official events, as the existing facilities are deemed insufficient.
Community and Professional Reactions
The decision to undertake the ballroom project has sparked significant backlash from various quarters. Critics, including fellow architects, have voiced their disapproval, with 29 architects signing a letter urging Baranes to decline the job. They argue that the addition would overshadow the historic White House and diminish its architectural integrity. Nancy MacWood, a preservationist, expressed confusion over Baranes' choice, stating, “I don’t understand why he would put himself in such a hot seat right now.”
Conversely, some in the architectural community have defended Baranes, suggesting that his expertise makes him well-suited for the task. Richard Nash Gould, a New York architect and Trump supporter, remarked, “If I had to pick who would do this job, it would be Shalom. He’s happy, he’s bulletproof and he’s really smart.”
Official Statements and Responses
While Baranes has remained under a nondisclosure agreement and has not publicly elaborated on his motivations, he has denied claims that his firm is financially struggling. The White House has not commented extensively on the project, but it is clear that the ballroom is viewed as a significant legacy endeavor for Trump.
Criticism and Opposition
The project has not only faced professional scrutiny but has also drawn widespread public criticism. Thousands of comments opposing the ballroom have been submitted, and a lawsuit has been initiated to halt its construction. Critics argue that the addition is emblematic of the Trump administration's broader disregard for historical preservation and architectural aesthetics.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Despite the controversy, there is a lack of clarity regarding the project's timeline and specific design elements. The federal Commission of Fine Arts has previously expressed concerns about the scale and beauty of related projects, indicating a potential disconnect between the administration's vision and the expectations of architectural oversight bodies.
What's Next
As the ballroom project progresses, it will likely continue to attract attention and scrutiny from both the architectural community and the public. The implications of Baranes' involvement and the project's impact on the White House's historical integrity remain to be seen, as do the potential legal challenges that could arise.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What’s happening now is heartbreaking.” — Shalom Baranes, Architect
- “I don’t understand why he would put himself in such a hot seat right now,” — Nancy MacWood, Preservationist
- “If I had to pick who would do this job, it would be Shalom,” — Richard Nash Gould, Architect
