Trump Hires New Architect for White House Ballroom Amid Disputes

WASHINGTON, Dec 4, 2025 — President Donald Trump has appointed a new architect for the White House ballroom project, according to several sources. This decision follows reported tensions between Trump and the previous architect, James McCrery.

The change was confirmed by White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, who stated that Shalom Baranes Associates, based in Washington, D.C., will take over the project. McCrery Architects was said to have clashed with Trump over the ballroom’s size and design. While some officials claim McCrery has been replaced, others assert he will continue as a consultant on the project.

“The Administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team to carry out President Trump’s vision,” Ingle said in a press statement. He emphasized Baranes’s experience and the significance of the ballroom as a historic addition to the White House.

Recent reports detail how the project has grown in scope. Initially announced as a 90,000-square-foot ballroom with a capacity of 650 guests at a cost of $200 million, it has now been revealed that it may accommodate up to 1,350 visitors, pushing estimates to $300 million. Officials have expressed concerns about the ballooning costs and the project’s timeline.

The ballroom’s design has sparked debate, especially after Trump ordered demolition of the East Wing without necessary approvals, which preservationists criticized as reckless. However, the White House maintains that plans for the ballroom will be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission.

Will Scharf, head of the commission, stated that he is expecting the ballroom project plans to be reviewed this month. “Once the plans are submitted, the commission’s role will begin,” he noted during a meeting

As the project unfolds, Trump publicly reaffirmed his commitment to building what he describes as “the greatest ballroom in the world.” He stated that it has been needed at the White House for over 150 years and promised it will be completed before the end of his term.