Trump Appoints New Architect for $300 Million White House Ballroom Project
WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 5, 2025 — President Donald Trump has appointed a new architect to oversee the next phase of the White House ballroom construction, a project now estimated to cost $300 million. The Washington, D.C.-based firm Shalom Baranes Associates will take over the design efforts, according to a White House spokesperson.
The project, which began construction in October 2025, involves a significant overhaul of the White House’s East Wing, which was demolished to make way for the new ballroom. Initially, McCrery Architects was selected to design the ballroom and will continue to serve as a consultant on the project, officials said.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that Shalom Baranes is an accomplished architect whose work has influenced the architectural identity of the nation’s capital for decades. Ingle added that Baranes’ experience will be a valuable asset in completing what the administration describes as the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.
The ballroom is intended to host large gatherings and state visits, with the White House projecting completion before the end of Trump’s term. The project’s estimated cost has increased from $200 million in July to $300 million as construction progresses.
During a recent cabinet meeting, President Trump acknowledged the ongoing construction noise, noting that his wife is not enthusiastic about the disruption caused by pile drivers operating day and night. He also remarked that the renovation has been needed for 150 years and expressed confidence that the new ballroom will be the finest ever built.
The White House ballroom project is privately funded, and the administration has emphasized its significance as a major architectural addition to the presidential residence.
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