The president is said to have had disagreements with the architect responsible for creating the expansive White House ballroom.
Earlier this year, in August, it was disclosed that the East Wing of the presidential residence would undergo a ‘modernization’ to include a grand 90,000 square foot ballroom. The White House announced that the new facility would accommodate up to 650 guests at once and aimed for completion by 2029. The cost of this ambitious project is an estimated $300 million.
Despite Donald Trump’s commitment to personally finance the renovation, reports suggest a conflict has arisen with the architect involved in the project.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “The Presidential Ballroom, which I am building at the White House, with all private donations and funding (ZERO cost to the American Taxpayer!), will be, at its completion, the most beautiful and spectacular Ballroom anywhere in the World!
“It is something that has been needed and desired at the White House for over 150 years, but something which no other President was equipped to do — But I am, and as long as we are going to do it, we are going to do it RIGHT.
“It will be a magnificent addition to the White House, the most important since the building of the West Wing!”
Sources revealed to the Wall Street Journal that Trump and architect James McCrery II, whom Trump personally selected to design the ballroom, have encountered difficulties reaching a consensus.
Even though it was initially stated that the new ballroom wouldn’t disrupt the White House’s existing structure, in October, the East Wing was demolished to accommodate Trump’s plans.
McCrery reportedly advised Trump that a fundamental ‘golden rule’ of architecture is ensuring any new addition does not overshadow or detract from the original building.
Nevertheless, Trump’s vision expanded the initial 500-seat ballroom to eventually accommodate 1,350 guests, with the potential for hosting a presidential inauguration.
The Mirror US reported that a White House official acknowledged that while there have been disagreements between the architect and the president, it has been a ‘constructive dialogue.’
“As with any building, there is a conversation between the principal and the architect,” an unnamed official reportedly stated.
“All parties are excited to execute on the president’s vision on what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office.”
Though McCrery has decided to leave the project, he remains involved in an advisory capacity to support its development.
UNILAD has reached out to the White House for comment.