On December 4, 2025, the White House announced that architect Shalom Baranes will now lead the design of the administration’s ambitious 90,000-square-foot ballroom — a $300 million project initially overseen by McCrery Architects. Reuters+1

The switch follows reported disagreements between former lead architect James McCrery II and the White House over the size and scope of the ballroom. McCrery’s firm, critics say, lacked the staffing and capacity to carry out what had become one of the largest additions to the White House in decades — so the firm was shifted to a consulting role while Baranes steps in as lead. The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2

The planned ballroom — replacing the recently demolished East Wing — would host state dinners, formal events, and large gatherings, with an estimated capacity nearing 1,000 guests. The White House frames the space as a “much-needed and exquisite addition” to help accommodate large-scale events that previously required tents and temporary structures. The White House+2Wikipedia+2

However, the project has drawn sharp criticism. Preservationists and lawmakers argue that demolishing the historic East Wing — and fast-tracking such a dramatic renovation without earlier public review — undermines the architectural legacy and symbolic weight of the White House. Some have questioned whether recent personnel changes and donor-funded financing reduce transparency and oversight. The Washington Post+2Wikipedia+2

It remains unclear whether the new architect will alter the ballroom’s design significantly. Supporters within the administration express confidence that the change will help deliver the project on time and to the vision originally promoted — but critics remain wary.

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