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Scruffy1

(3,572 posts)

39. The architect is now Shalom Baranes.

Tue Jun 30, 2026, 03:11 PM

Jun 30

Kind of strange choice even though it is well respected firm that has a history of historical preservations including the DC post office building. The strange part is that Shalom Baranes is a Jewish immigrant who has spoken out in defense of Islamic immigrants, As far as I know they are not a design build firm, but of course are responsible for construction oversight for the project.
I have never seen a government construction job done like this. The norm is to have a a design competition and selection, and then the plans are made public for competitive biddings. Alternatively the competition could be for design and build which iss often used for things like bridges and some privately held properties.

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Highlight:

Trump is using a $500M no-bid contract to build his White House ballroom [View all] BumRushDaShow Jun 30 OP

How is that even legal? bif Jun 30 #1

Exactly. OldBaldy1701E Jun 30 #7

Yes, he learned after his first term PatSeg Jun 30 #12

Not a one of them has been held to account for anything. OldBaldy1701E Jun 30 #32

A handful from his first term were held accountable PatSeg Jun 30 #34

It isn't UpInArms Jun 30 #8

I don't think it is. LisaL Jun 30 #17

There are ways to get around advertising Deminpenn Jun 30 #19

Remember, "no one is above the law". wink wink chuckle chuckle ha ha HA HA republianmushroom Jun 30 #23

"confidential contract" WTF is that? underpants Jun 30 #2

An unusual arrangement... displacedvermoter Jun 30 #3

Someone should sue his ass for misuse of federal funds mdbl Jun 30 #4

America vs trump Rowdyag Jun 30 #27

It will have to be torn down. It will be a security nightmare. travelingthrulife Jun 30 #5

How so? maxsolomon Jun 30 #40

"The office is typically responsible for routine repairs, entertainment expenses, and the purchase of furniture, art" Ray Bruns Jun 30 #6

The only "out" I think they have here is that's it's National Security underpants Jun 30 #10

A no bid contract will guarantee shoddy work like that performed on the Reflecting Pool. Martin68 Jun 30 #9

He was telling the country it would cost $200 million when he had awarded s $500 million contract. SamuelAdams Jun 30 #11

Plus he was still telling the country it would be paid for from private donations when he had already Midnight Writer Jun 30 #20

Didn't his first announcement about it Quanto Magnus Jun 30 #28

Donor money? F...K no! Firestorm49 Jun 30 #13

Any comment from John Fetterman? twodogsbarking Jun 30 #14

He don't care of Pennsylvania dave99 Jun 30 #15

You had me at "He don't care". twodogsbarking Jun 30 #33

Where exactly is these money coming from? LisaL Jun 30 #16

Guess VanceFan Jun 30 #18

Is anyone surprised that this involves shady dealings? WestMichRad Jun 30 #21

Just More Stealing Six117 Jun 30 #22

What are the odds it will be built? CaptainTruth Jun 30 #24

Totally agree. I've thought for a while he will never finish it, for whatever reason LymphocyteLover Jun 30 #25

It's currently under construction so some of it's already built. Below grade. maxsolomon Jun 30 #41

What's his vig on that? Turbineguy Jun 30 #26

When that 500 million is exhausted and it's still Klarkashton Jun 30 #29

Just wondering The Wizard Jun 30 #30

I don't think it will be built kimbutgar Jun 30 #31

Has Congress agreed to any public money being spent on this? muriel_volestrangler Jun 30 #35

It was reported that some was redirected from Secret Service funding BumRushDaShow Jun 30 #37

Thanks - I do remember that now muriel_volestrangler Jun 30 #38

hopefully it gets stopped in 2027. + they have to put up a new east wing. or something smaller. pansypoo53219 Jun 30 #36

The architect is now Shalom Baranes. Scruffy1 Jun 30 #39