Trump Brings in New Architect for $300M Ballroom Project After Design Dispute

The White House has appointed a new lead architect for President Trump's ambitious $300 million ballroom project, following a reported design dispute with the original designer, James McCrery. Shalom Baranes, a prominent Washington, D.C. architect with a long history of working on federal projects, will now oversee the project's next phase. The decision comes after Trump reportedly clashed with McCrery over the ballroom's design, particularly the size of the venue. Trump wanted to expand the ballroom to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, which has raised concerns that the new structure could overwhelm the historic White House. Despite the change, McCrery will continue to contribute to the project as a consultant, according to a source familiar with the effort. Baranes and his firm, SBA, have a proven track record of working on major federal commissions, including the modernization of the US Treasury building and the post-9/11 reconstruction at the Pentagon. As one of the most influential figures in shaping modern Washington, D.C., Baranes has championed the idea that contemporary design and historic preservation can work together to support urban density. He has written extensively on design and urban development and has been a frequent lecturer on those subjects. Baranes has received several notable honors, including the Gold Medal from the architectural fraternity Tau Sigma. The ballroom project is part of a larger redevelopment plan that includes demolishing the entire East Wing of the White House. The new structure will feature a venue designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, sparking concerns about its impact on the historic mansion.