Trump Appoints Shalom Baranes as New Architect for $300 Million White House Ballroom Project

President Donald Trump has appointed a new architect for his $300-million White House ballroom project following reported disagreements with the original designer.

The White House announced that Trump has selected Shalom Baranes to take over the ambitious project after differences emerged with James McCrery, a classical architecture specialist.

According to US media reports, tensions arose primarily over Trump's desire to increase the ballroom's size beyond the original plans.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that Baranes, who has "shaped the architectural identity of our nation's capital for decades," will now lead efforts to "carry out President Trump's vision" for the ballroom.

Baranes' firm brings significant experience, having previously worked on major government projects including modernizing the US Treasury building near the White House and renovating the Pentagon following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The ambitious project has already seen the entire East Wing of the White House demolished to accommodate Trump's vision for a ballroom capable of hosting 1,000 people.

The scale of the planned structure has raised concerns among some observers who worry it could overshadow the historic presidential mansion, one of the world's most iconic buildings.

Despite the project's significance, Trump's privately funded initiative has yet to undergo any public review process.

Reports indicate that beyond disagreements about the ballroom's dimensions, the president was also concerned about whether McCrery's smaller firm could meet the project's deadlines.

A source familiar with the situation clarified that McCrery would remain involved as a "valuable consultant," describing the transition as "not a replacement but rather a passing of the baton as the project develops into new phases."