Trump Appoints Shalom Baranes as New Architect for White House Ballroom

The White House has appointed a new architect for the construction of the ballroom, with Shalom Baranes taking over from James McCrery II. This decision was confirmed by an administration official on Thursday. The change occurs as the project undergoes significant development, with costs rising from an initial estimate of $200 million to $300 million.

Baranes has a long history of designing government buildings, making him a fitting choice for this prestigious project. White House spokesperson David Ingle expressed enthusiasm about Baranes’s capabilities. “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 on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office,” Ingle stated. He further noted that Baranes’s extensive experience would greatly benefit the project’s completion.

Despite the transition, McCrery will continue to serve as a consultant on the ballroom project. Reports indicate that disagreements arose between Trump and McCrery regarding the size of the ballroom, with the President advocating for a larger venue than originally planned.

Originally, the ballroom was intended to be constructed adjacent to the East Wing of the White House. However, the entire East Wing was demolished in October 2023, necessitating a reevaluation of the project’s design and location. The new ballroom is expected to accommodate approximately 1,000 guests and will serve as a venue for high-profile events, including state dinners.

While details regarding the funding remain limited, President Trump has mentioned that donors will be covering the expenses of the ballroom. The project marks a significant undertaking, aiming to enhance the architectural landscape of the White House.