Trump reportedly has major falling out with White House architect after ‘breaking golden rule’

Reports suggest President Donald Trump has been clashing with the architect responsible for designing the massive new White House ballroom. The project, announced in August, involves modernizing the East Wing and adding a 90,000-square-foot event space capable of holding up to 650 guests, with completion expected in 2029 and an estimated cost of $300 million.

Trump has said he will cover the costs through private donations so taxpayers won’t foot the bill. On Truth Social, he praised the ballroom as a long-needed addition and promised it would be the most stunning venue of its kind anywhere in the world.

He also hinted at tensions behind the scenes. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump and architect James McCrery II—the designer Trump personally selected—have disagreed on key elements of the plan.

Although officials initially claimed the construction wouldn’t impact the White House itself, the East Wing was demolished in October to make way for the expansion. McCrery reportedly warned Trump that architectural additions shouldn’t overshadow the original structure.

Since then, the ballroom design has grown dramatically—from seating 500 guests, to 999, and now to a proposed capacity of 1,350, potentially large enough to host a presidential inauguration.

A White House official admitted the pair haven’t aligned on every detail but described the disagreements as normal and productive. McCrery has stepped back from leading the project but remains involved as an adviser.

The White House confirmed he continues consulting, noting that all parties remain committed to fulfilling Trump’s vision for what they describe as the most significant addition since the Oval Office.