President Donald Trump's ambitious plan to construct a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom addition to the White House is facing significant pushback from an unexpected source—the very architect he personally selected to design it.
Architect's Concerns About Scale and Proportion
According to a Washington Post report citing four individuals familiar with internal discussions, architect James McCrery II has expressed serious concerns about the project's massive footprint. The proposed addition would dramatically overshadow the existing White House residence, which measures approximately 55,000 square feet.
McCrery reportedly fears the new structure would dwarf the historic White House itself, creating an architectural imbalance that could undermine the property's historical integrity. Despite these concerns, the architect apparently wishes to remain involved in the project to prevent another designer from creating what he considers "an inferior building."
Accelerated Timeline and Preservation Concerns
The Trump administration has imposed a vastly accelerated construction timeline, aiming to complete the project before the end of the president's term. This rushed approach has drawn criticism from preservationists and the public who argue that proper procedures are being bypassed.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation raised red flags in a letter to the Trump administration last month, expressing deep concern that "the massing and height of the proposed new construction will overwhelm the White House itself."
The controversy intensified when Trump ordered the rapid demolition of the entire East Wing, which had hosted visitors and first lady offices for decades. The move shocked Americans, including former White House occupants.
Financial Questions and Emotional Reactions
Former First Lady Michelle Obama described the East Wing's demolition as a "loss for us as a nation," emphasizing that the presidential complex belongs to all Americans, not just the current Oval Office occupant. In a recent podcast appearance, Obama expressed confusion about the decision, questioning national values and norms.
The project's funding mechanism has also drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning whether Trump's plan to finance construction through private donors and companies with federal government contracts constitutes blatant corruption.
Initial cost estimates of $200 million have now ballooned to approximately $300 million, adding to concerns about the project's financial transparency. The president appears to have concealed or misrepresented his true vision for the ballroom when it was first announced, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially telling reporters the project would sit at a distance from the White House.
This ballroom project represents just one of several initiatives Trump has pushed forward in his second term, all seemingly designed to leave a lasting physical mark on the White House complex despite significant opposition from architectural experts and preservation advocates.
