Trump hires a new architect for his $300M White House ballroom after clashes with previous one about its size
Architect leaves $300m White House ballroom project
- President Donald Trump has replaced James McCrery II, the original architect overseeing the $300 million White House ballroom project, following reports of conflicting interests and McCrery's firm struggling with deadlines.
- Shalom Baranes, an architect known for numerous major federal projects, has been appointed to take over the 90,000-square-foot ballroom development.
- Despite the change, James McCrery II will remain involved in the project in a consulting role, as confirmed by the White House.
- Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the 'No Palaces Act' to impose restrictions on White House construction and demolition, requiring congressional approval for changes to the historic building.
- The White House stated the ballroom will be entirely privately funded by wealthy donors, including major tech companies, with Democrats also introducing a bill to impose donation restrictions.