Donald Trump clashed with the architect he personally selected to design a new White House ballroom, with disagreements centering on the scale of the project, according to multiple sources familiar with internal discussions.
Trump has pushed for a massive 90,000-square-foot addition, raising concerns that it could overwhelm the 55,000-square-foot main residence, sources told The Washington Post.
Highlights
- Trump and architect James McCrery II clash over the size of massive 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom addition.
- The ballroom project is one of the largest White House changes in over two centuries but lacks formal public review.
- Construction is underway despite missing approval from the National Capital Planning Commission as of mid-2025.
James McCrery II, the architect chosen for the project, reportedly urged caution, warning that a structure of that size could dominate the historic mansion and break with traditional architectural principles.
Donald Trump is reportedly feuding with his White House ballroom architect
Image credits: Win McNamee/Getty Images
A White House official appeared to confirm that the two men have differing views on the ballroom but declined to provide specific details, calling their discussions “constructive dialogue.”
The official told The Post, “As with any building, there is a conversation between the principal and the architect. 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.”
According to sources who spoke to the outlet, Trump has taken a hands-on approach, regularly attending meetings about the ballroom’s design and materials.
Image credits: Catholic Artists Society
A detailed model of the space has also been displayed in the Oval Office, reflecting the president’s personal attention to every element of the project.
The proposed ballroom, one of the largest changes to the White House in more than two centuries, has not yet gone through formal public review.
Key information, including the building’s planned height, remains undisclosed.
Image credits: Alex Wong/Getty Images
Officials say the new space will also include offices previously housed in the East Wing, while details about an emergency bunker beneath the area have been withheld for security reasons.
Images show that construction work is well underway on the East Wing site, with crews and equipment moving in behind nearly complete fencing.
Despite the activity, plans for the addition have not yet been submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal body responsible for overseeing construction projects in Washington, D.C.
The commission’s agenda through mid-2025 does not list the ballroom, as per The Post.
Construction on the new ballroom is well underway
Image credits: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images
The project has drawn criticism from Democrats and some architects for its speed, secrecy, and shifting specifications.
Originally estimated to cost $200 million and host 650 guests, the ballroom is now projected by Trump to exceed $300 million and accommodate about 1,000 people.
McCrery has reportedly remained involved despite the disagreements, concerned that his replacement might produce a lesser design, The Post reported.
Image credits: Alex Wong/Getty Images
The classical architect’s firm has historically focused on churches, libraries, and private residences, making this one of the largest projects of his career.
Trump appointed McCrery to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in 2019 and formally hired him for the ballroom project in July 2025.
Construction was announced just weeks later, with the White House aiming to complete the space before the end of Trump’s second term.
Funding for the project has come from wealthy individuals and corporations with federal contracts, including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir Technologies.
Image credits: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images
Lawmakers have questioned the transparency of contributions and the potential for conflicts of interest, noting that some donations appear to have been directed toward the president’s personal initiative with limited oversight.
Last week, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Robert Garcia introduced the Stop Ballroom Bribery Act in a bid to impose donation restrictions.
It comes amid pay-to-play concerns, as several of Trump’s donors reportedly need something from his administration.
“Billionaires and giant corporations with business in front of this administration are lining up to dump millions into Trump’s new ballroom—and Trump is showing them where to sign on the dotted line,” Warren said in a statement.
Democrats have challenged private donations for the ballroom
Image credits: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
“Americans shouldn’t have to wonder whether President Trump is building a ballroom to facilitate a pay-to-play scheme for political favors. My new bill will put an end to what looks like bribery in plain sight.”
Garcia added, “It’s outrageous that the White House won’t reveal who’s bankrolling Trump’s pet project, and that the people’s house could be funded by shady figures, corrupt money, and bad actors.
“This bill will ban contributions from anyone with a conflict of interest, prevent bribery, and ensure we can hold any administration accountable for blatant corruption.”