- Architect Shalom Baranes, 75, has taken over the controversial White House ballroom addition project, baffling many colleagues in Washington, D.C.
- Baranes is a highly respected D.C. architect known for his work on numerous federal buildings, including renovating the Pentagon after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
- As the son of Jewish Libyan refugees, Baranes has been openly critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies, stating that current events are “heartbreaking.”
- Despite his past criticisms, Baranes agreed to lead the $400 million project after the original architect stepped down, though he is under a nondisclosure agreement regarding his motivations.
- The project aims to provide a larger entertaining space for state dinners and other events at the White House.
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