Trump picks new lead architect for White House ballroom

The facility will fulfill the longstanding desire of prior presidents for a larger facility for state functions but has also attracted criticism from Democrats, who have complained about the demolition of historic portions of the White House complex.

By Ben Whedon

Published: December 4, 2025 4:26pm

President Donald Trump has selected a new lead architect to continue construction of a planned White House ballroom.

Shalom Barnes will take over for James McCrery II, the original architect, the White House confirmed in a statement. The swap followed reported disagreements between Trump and McCrery over expanding the size of the facility, The Hill reported.

“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 — the White House Ballroom,” a White House spokesman said in a statement.

“Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project," it continued.

Trump is funding the construction project personally and through other private donations. The facility will fulfill the longstanding desire of prior presidents for a larger facility for state functions but has also attracted criticism from Democrats, who have complained about the demolition of historic portions of the White House complex.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.