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Scruffy1

(3,565 posts)

39. The architect is now Shalom Baranes.

Tue Jun 30, 2026, 03:11 PM

12 hrs ago

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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Trump is using a $500M no-bid contract to build his White House ballroom [View all] BumRushDaShow 18 hrs ago OP

How is that even legal? bif 18 hrs ago #1

Exactly. OldBaldy1701E 18 hrs ago #7

Yes, he learned after his first term PatSeg 17 hrs ago #12

Not a one of them has been held to account for anything. OldBaldy1701E 14 hrs ago #32

A handful from his first term were held accountable PatSeg 13 hrs ago #34

It isn't UpInArms 18 hrs ago #8

I don't think it is. LisaL 16 hrs ago #17

There are ways to get around advertising Deminpenn 16 hrs ago #19

Remember, "no one is above the law". wink wink chuckle chuckle ha ha HA HA republianmushroom 15 hrs ago #23

"confidential contract" WTF is that? underpants 18 hrs ago #2

An unusual arrangement... displacedvermoter 18 hrs ago #3

Someone should sue his ass for misuse of federal funds mdbl 18 hrs ago #4

America vs trump Rowdyag 14 hrs ago #27

It will have to be torn down. It will be a security nightmare. travelingthrulife 18 hrs ago #5

How so? maxsolomon 8 hrs ago #40

"The office is typically responsible for routine repairs, entertainment expenses, and the purchase of furniture, art" Ray Bruns 18 hrs ago #6

The only "out" I think they have here is that's it's National Security underpants 17 hrs ago #10

A no bid contract will guarantee shoddy work like that performed on the Reflecting Pool. Martin68 17 hrs ago #9

He was telling the country it would cost $200 million when he had awarded s $500 million contract. SamuelAdams 17 hrs ago #11

Plus he was still telling the country it would be paid for from private donations when he had already Midnight Writer 16 hrs ago #20

Didn't his first announcement about it Quanto Magnus 14 hrs ago #28

Donor money? F...K no! Firestorm49 17 hrs ago #13

Any comment from John Fetterman? twodogsbarking 17 hrs ago #14

He don't care of Pennsylvania dave99 16 hrs ago #15

You had me at "He don't care". twodogsbarking 14 hrs ago #33

Where exactly is these money coming from? LisaL 16 hrs ago #16

Guess VanceFan 16 hrs ago #18

Is anyone surprised that this involves shady dealings? WestMichRad 16 hrs ago #21

Just More Stealing Six117 16 hrs ago #22

What are the odds it will be built? CaptainTruth 15 hrs ago #24

Totally agree. I've thought for a while he will never finish it, for whatever reason LymphocyteLover 15 hrs ago #25

It's currently under construction so some of it's already built. Below grade. maxsolomon 8 hrs ago #41

What's his vig on that? Turbineguy 15 hrs ago #26

When that 500 million is exhausted and it's still Klarkashton 14 hrs ago #29

Just wondering The Wizard 14 hrs ago #30

I don't think it will be built kimbutgar 14 hrs ago #31

Has Congress agreed to any public money being spent on this? muriel_volestrangler 13 hrs ago #35

It was reported that some was redirected from Secret Service funding BumRushDaShow 13 hrs ago #37

Thanks - I do remember that now muriel_volestrangler 13 hrs ago #38

hopefully it gets stopped in 2027. + they have to put up a new east wing. or something smaller. pansypoo53219 13 hrs ago #36

The architect is now Shalom Baranes. Scruffy1 12 hrs ago #39