President Trump has replaced architect James McCrery II with Shalom Baranes for the White House ballroom project. McCrery, who advised against Trump’s plans to drastically increase the ballroom’s size, reportedly departed the project due to the inability of his team to meet the project’s demanding deadlines and Trump’s desire to expand the project. The new architect brings decades of experience designing government buildings in Washington, D.C. The expansion, initially estimated at $200 million, has ballooned to $300 million and Trump aims to have it completed by 2029, even though no official public review has taken place.
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President Trump is reportedly at odds with the architect designing a new White House ballroom, reportedly demanding a structure even larger than the White House itself. This has led to friction, as architect James McCrery II has cautioned against the excessive scale of the addition, which is expected to house offices and impact the surrounding areas. The project, which has undergone no public review, is part of a broader, unilateral redesign plan driven by Trump’s preference for gold-heavy aesthetics and personal iconography. While White House officials insist dialogue is constructive, critics have voiced concerns over transparency and the project’s massive scope, as well as the destruction of the East Wing of the White House and the impending design of the New Ballroom to replace the East Wing.
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The recent demolition of the White House’s East Wing by Donald Trump disregards a century-long tradition of consulting architectural experts, a practice established after a similar expansion attempt in 1900. In 1900, architects, led by Glenn Brown, successfully advocated for a design that respected the original White House, leading to the creation of the West and East Wings through a collaborative process. This established a norm of deference to historical context and expert opinions, which was mostly followed by subsequent presidents. However, Trump’s actions, including the proposed ballroom, have ignored these established norms, pushing grandiose projects and reshaping the capital without expert input, which could lead to lasting changes.
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Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica has become the world’s tallest church after a section of its central tower was recently erected, reaching a height of 162.91 meters. This surpasses the spire of Ulm Minster in Germany, though the Sagrada Familia has not formally claimed the title. The central Tower of Jesus Christ will ultimately reach 172 meters upon completion. Construction began in 1882, and the basilica’s completion is expected in approximately a decade, funded by tourist revenue.
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Construction on the new White House annex, slated to more than double the size of the existing structure, has faced immediate criticism. Plans for the East Wing ballroom reveal architectural flaws such as misaligned windows and stairs leading to nowhere. Demolition of the existing building has been met with outrage, and the project has bypassed standard review procedures. Critics express concern over the president’s disregard for the historic site and the lack of transparency surrounding the project, which is set to be completed in 2029.
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The original article emphasizes the crucial role of fact-based journalism in combating the spread of misinformation, particularly in the medical field. Suppressing scientific watchdogs allows dangerous myths to proliferate, endangering public health. The publication is appealing to its readers for continued financial support, highlighting the vital role of contributions in strengthening their ability to provide accurate information during challenging times. They express gratitude for past support and reiterate the importance of their work in safeguarding science and protecting the public.
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In a startling display of priorities, Trump shifted focus from a question about conservative activist Charlie Kirk to the construction of a new White House ballroom. This diversion highlights Trump’s preference for projecting opulence and grandeur over addressing pressing issues. The addition of a lavish ballroom, inaccessible to most, mirrors Trump’s desire to transform the White House into a symbol of wealth and exclusivity, reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate. This signals a shift away from the White House’s traditional role as “the people’s house.”
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Following a devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has undergone a €700 million restoration. President Macron recently toured the rebuilt cathedral, showcasing its renewed interior, including a newly constructed roof replacing the medieval structure destroyed in the blaze. The extensive renovation also involved a thorough cleaning of the interior, revealing a “fresh face” after nearly two centuries of accumulated grime. The project, completed within five years, involved thousands of craftspeople and has revitalized French craftsmanship.
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John Q. Hosedrinker