Back in October, Donald Trump took a terrible beating. This announcement followed a week where we learned through satellite photography that the East Wing of the White House had been entirely leveled. This demolition came as part of a deeply controversial plan to replace the historic station with a $100 million, lavish new ballroom. This step undermines Trump’s previous commitments that the current federal-state partnership would remain in place. Despite the widespread criticism that has surrounded this controversial project, increasing public outcry lately has brought about a new, stronger set of administrative changes.
In response to the outcry, Trump has dismissed all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts, an independent federal agency responsible for reviewing projects like the planned ballroom. The Commission is as well in charge of a proposed “Arc de Trump” plopped down on Washington D.C. The abrupt termination of the Commission’s members has raised questions regarding transparency and oversight in the project’s development.
Adding to the unfolding drama, Trump recently announced his intent to replace the architectural oversight of the $300 million ballroom project. Later, the project passed through another listed firm, which received sharp criticism for its understaffed crew and backlog of deadlines. Now, local architect Shalom Baranes will wrap up the initial phase of the project. The White House has confirmed this selection, emphasizing Baranes’ credentials and expertise in shaping the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital.
“As we begin to transition into the next stage of development on the White House Ballroom, the administration is excited to share that the highly talented Shalom Baranes has joined the team of experts to carry out President Trump’s vision on building what will be the greatest addition to the White House since the Oval Office – the White House Ballroom,” – David Ingle
Ingle further elaborated on Baranes’ qualifications, stating, “Shalom is an accomplished architect whose work has shaped the architectural identity of our nation’s capital for decades and his experience will be a great asset to the completion of this project.”
The resulting $300 million ballroom project will usher in dramatic changes to the East Wing. Critics are concerned that these changes will threaten the historical character of the White House. Trump’s reaction to this criticism, alongside his administrative decisions, has been scrutinized closely as he pushes forward with his ambitious plans.