President Donald Trump has once again shaken up Washington, making a high-profile staffing change in the middle of his ambitious White House renovation project.
This time, Trump has appointed a new architect to oversee the next phase of the $300 million White House ballroom, a project he views as a historic upgrade to America’s most important residence.
The administration announced that Shalom Baranes Associates, one of Washington, D.C.’s most respected architectural firms, will now lead the design effort. The firm has shaped major federal buildings across the capital, and the White House says it wants that same level of expertise guiding Trump’s vision.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle celebrated the move, calling it a major step in fulfilling the president’s commitment to restoring and expanding the White House for future generations.
“In this next stage of the White House Ballroom project, we are proud to welcome Shalom Baranes to the team,” Ingle said. “His experience has defined the architectural identity of our nation’s capital. His leadership will be critical as we build what President Trump believes will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.”
Trump had originally tapped McCrery Architects to design the ballroom. Although that firm will stay on as a consultant, Baranes will now take the lead—a shift that immediately sparked interest across Washington, where every staffing adjustment in the Trump administration draws nationwide attention.
A Massive, Privately Funded Upgrade
Work began in October with the demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing. The entire project is being privately funded, a decision that has earned praise from fiscal conservatives who are tired of taxpayer-funded government expansions.
The cost has risen from $200 million to $300 million, reflecting the scale of Trump’s plans for what he says will be “the finest ballroom ever built.”
During a recent Cabinet meeting, Trump gave a candid update on construction progress.
“I wouldn’t say my wife is thrilled,” he joked. “She hears pile drivers all day, all night.”
Still, Trump emphasized that the White House has needed this kind of modernization for more than 150 years, and he believes the upgrade will significantly improve how the nation hosts major events and state visits.
A New Landmark for Diplomacy and Tradition
The White House has confirmed that the new ballroom will serve as a premier space for state dinners, national celebrations, and international diplomacy. Officials say the project is on track to be completed before the end of Trump’s term, marking one of the most significant structural additions to the White House in generations.
For supporters, the ballroom represents Trump’s dedication to strengthening American tradition and restoring prestige to the nation’s most iconic building. For critics, the shake-up in architectural leadership is yet another example of Trump refusing to settle for anything less than perfection.
Either way, the project continues to draw national interest—and as construction moves into full swing, the White House says more updates are coming soon.