President Donald Trump fired his own ballroom architect after clashing with an architect over expanding the project.
The boutique architecture firm led by James McCrery II was reportedly replaced after three months when questions surfaced over whether the group could manage the large-scale plan, The Washington Post reported Thursday.
"It is unclear whether McCrery stepped back voluntarily, but the men parted on good terms and remain so, according to one of the people familiar with the project, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations," The Post reported.
Trump apparently wanted to increase the size and scope of the project, "but it was McCrery’s firm’s small workforce and inability to hit deadlines that became the decisive factor in him leaving," a source told the outlet.
The president has decided that architect Shalom Baranes will take over the job. Baranes' design firm has designed and renovated government buildings in Washington, D.C. for decades and has taken on projects that include the main Treasury building near the White House and the General Services Administration headquarters.
The $300 million ballroom is one of the largest renovations expected at the White House and follows the demolition of the East Wing, the historic corridor and location of the former first lady's office. Trump has also signaled plans to renovate the National Mall.