In a move reflecting his penchant for grandeur, US President Donald Trump has appointed architect Shalom Baranes to oversee the ambitious $300-million White House ballroom project. The announcement comes amid reported differences with the project’s original designer, James McCrery, as the administration looks to turn the East Wing into a space capable of hosting 1,000 guests.
According to White House spokesperson Davis Ingle, Baranes’ selection marks a new stage in the project’s development. “As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House ballroom, the administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision,” Ingle said.
The East Wing, which has now been fully demolished to make way for the new structure, will soon host a ballroom designed to rival some of the world’s largest event spaces. The scale of the project, with its capacity for 1,000 guests, reflects the president’s desire for a more monumental setting for official and social functions.
Initial reports indicate that the shift in architects arose from differences over the size and scope of the project. James McCrery, a specialist in classical architecture, had reportedly clashed with Trump over expanding the ballroom. Concerns about McCrery’s smaller firm meeting the tight deadlines may also have contributed to the decision. Sources familiar with the project stress that McCrery remains a “valuable consultant” and that Baranes’ involvement is a progression rather than a replacement.
Shalom Baranes, whose firm has long influenced the architectural identity of Washington, D.C., brings extensive experience in large-scale, high-profile projects. His portfolio includes the modernization of the US Treasury building and post-9/11 renovations at the Pentagon. The choice is seen as a nod to both expertise and efficiency, aligning with Trump’s vision for a high-profile, privately funded venture.
While Trump’s announcement emphasizes the project’s grandeur, it has sparked debate among preservationists and architectural critics. The main concern is that the new ballroom could overshadow the White House itself, one of the most recognized symbols in the world. The design, which has yet to undergo public review, will be watched closely for its impact on the historic setting.
The White House ballroom project, fully funded privately according to Trump, reflects a blend of political symbolism and personal ambition. Beyond its role as an event space, the new ballroom is a statement of scale and luxury, embodying the president’s approach to architecture and public representation. The administration has signaled that the construction phase will prioritize operational efficiency alongside grandeur, ensuring that timelines and execution meet the president’s high expectations.
Observers note that Baranes’ experience with complex federal projects may be critical in balancing the historic significance of the White House with the scale of the envisioned ballroom. His appointment suggests that the project is moving into a highly technical and demanding phase, where coordination, materials, and structural considerations will be key.
As work begins on what promises to be one of the most extravagant additions to the White House in recent decades, the nation—and indeed the world—will be watching closely. With Baranes at the helm, Trump’s vision of a massive, 1,000-guest ballroom is now taking concrete form, merging private ambition with public spectacle in the heart of Washington, D.C.
The transition from McCrery to Baranes underscores the evolving nature of high-profile architectural projects, where vision, scale, and logistics must converge. For the White House, this ambitious undertaking represents not only a physical transformation of the East Wing but also a symbolic expression of one president’s bold design ambitions.
