The Post reports James McCrery II left the White House ballroom project in October 2025 after repeatedly warning that Trump’s early design had inadequate exits and fire protection. The White House says code concerns did not prompt his departure.
The reported fire-safety concerns included inadequate routes for guests to exit quickly and little protection against a kitchen fire spreading to the ballroom above. Documents also showed too few toilets for maximum occupancy; one early plan had seven stalls in the women’s restroom. White House meeting notes from Sept. 30, 2025, called life safety a “big concern.”
The White House says its current architects and consultants are responsible for designing to nationally recognized fire and safety codes, and that life-safety issues have been resolved as plans evolved. Records reviewed by The Post show code and safety discussions continued after McCrery left but do not establish whether his concerns were resolved; replacement firm Shalom Baranes Associates declined comment. The work is routed through the Executive Residence, which is not a federal agency and is exempt from rules governing agencies; D.C. cannot enforce local codes on federal property. Experts say contractors remain responsible for safety standards.
