President Donald Trump and the architect overseeing the White House ballroom construction project have engaged in disagreements about the proposed size of the massive addition, according to a new report from The Washington Post. The 79-year-old president and architect James C. McCrery II are reportedly at odds over how large the new entertainment space should be, with concerns raised about the project potentially overshadowing the historic main building.

The architect, 60-year-old James C. McCrery II, has reportedly informed Trump that the proposed 90,000 square foot addition would be significantly larger than the existing White House structure, which measures 55,000 square feet. This size differential violates a fundamental architectural principle that additions should not overshadow or dwarf the main building they are meant to complement. The concerns highlight the tension between Trump's vision for a grand ballroom and traditional architectural guidelines for historic preservation.

A White House official responded to the reported disagreements by telling PEOPLE that McCrery "has been and continues to be a consultant on the Ballroom project." The official emphasized that "as with any building, there is a conversation between the principal and the architect," suggesting that such discussions are normal parts of the construction process. The official added that "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."

The ambitious ballroom project was first announced in July through a press release that described it as a "much-needed and exquisite addition" to the White House complex. The new structure is being built on the site where the East Wing once stood, which was demolished on October 23, 2025. White House officials have previously explained that Trump wanted the larger entertainment space because guests at outdoor events had to use a "large and unsightly tent" when gatherings exceeded the capacity of existing indoor spaces.

Trump's vision for the multi-million-dollar project includes an elaborate design featuring a sprawling great room with ornate gold details throughout. The planned ballroom will showcase gold chandeliers, an intricate coffered ceiling, and Greek Corinthian columns as key architectural elements. The space will also feature tall, arched windows on each wall and accommodate numerous round tables with gold chairs for large-scale events and state functions.

According to the original July announcement, "The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, its theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical." McCrery himself has previously described the project as a "beautiful and necessary renovation to The People's House," indicating his general support for the concept despite the reported size disagreements.

The ballroom project has drawn commentary from former White House residents and their families. During a November 4 appearance on the Today show, former First Lady Michelle Obama discussed the project with host Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. After agreeing that "there's no guidebook" for such situations, the 61-year-old Obama told the 44-year-old Hager, "There's barely a staff. Now we don't have a building." Hager responded with humor, saying "I know. R.I.P. the East Wing."

Obama expanded on her thoughts about the project during an appearance on the Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast, where she reflected on the broader implications of such changes. "It's not about me, it's about us and our traditions and what they stand for," she explained. "I think in my body, I felt confusion because I'm like, 'Well, who are we? What do we value and who decides that?'" Her comments suggest concerns about how major architectural changes might affect the White House's historical significance and cultural meaning.

The ballroom project represents just one of many changes Trump has made to various historical elements of the presidential residence throughout his two terms in office. Previous modifications have included alterations to the Rose Garden, the Cabinet Room, and the Oval Office, among other spaces. These changes reflect Trump's desire to leave his mark on the nation's most famous residence while also creating more functional spaces for presidential duties and entertainment.