In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has removed James McCrery as the lead architect for the White House ballroom project, replacing him with Shalom Baranes Associates. The decision comes after reported clashes between Trump and McCrery over the size and scope of the new ballroom, which is part of Trump’s extensive renovation plans for the White House.
The project, announced in July with McCrery Architects at the helm, has faced scrutiny and tension in recent months. The original plan to construct a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom in the White House’s East Wing has raised concerns about overshadowing the historic building’s original structure. Reports indicate that Trump’s vision for the ballroom’s size has grown significantly since the project’s inception, leading to disagreements with McCrery.
The removal of McCrery Architects and the appointment of Shalom Baranes Associates signal a shift in direction for the White House renovation project. Baranes, known for his neo-traditionalist style and experience with large-scale projects, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the design and construction of the ballroom.
The shake-up in architectural leadership has sparked public interest and debate, with social media platforms buzzing with reactions to the news. While some applaud Trump’s decisive action in pursuing his vision for the White House, others express concerns about the impact of such extensive renovations on the historic landmark.
Experts in the architectural and design community have weighed in on the implications of the change, highlighting the importance of balancing preservation with innovation in architectural projects of this scale. The White House ballroom project serves as a reminder of the intersection between politics, history, and architecture, showcasing the power of design in shaping public spaces and cultural heritage.
As the White House renovation continues to unfold under new leadership, the story of McCrery’s dismissal and Baranes’ appointment reflects the complexities of balancing tradition with modernity in architectural endeavors. The public will be watching closely as the project progresses, eager to see how the White House’s iconic architecture evolves in the hands of its new architect.
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References:
1. “Donald Trump removes James McCrery as White House ballroom architect” – Dezeen (https://www.dezeen.com/2025/12/05/james-mccrery-dismissed-white-house-ballroom-architect/)
2. “Trump replaces head architect after clashing over ‘big, beautiful’ White House ballroom” – Fast Company (https://www.fastcompany.com/91455559/trump-replaces-mcrery-architects-with-shalom-baranes-whitehouse-ballroom?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss)
3. Social media excerpts from Mastodon platform.
Social Commentary influenced the creation of this article.
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