President Donald Trump addressed reporters Wednesday, offering his perspective on the recent midterm election results and providing a detailed tour of a White House ballroom construction site. His comments came after Democrats secured control of both the House and the Senate, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
"It’s going to be not only one of the biggest, but it’ll be the most beautiful ballroom, I think, anywhere in the world." President Donald Trump
Speaking from the construction site, President Trump acknowledged that the "Iran war" and rising gas prices played roles in the Republican party's defeats. Despite this, he stated his unwavering commitment to the conflict, asserting, "If I had to do it again, I’d have to do it again. I had no choice… you can’t have Iran get a nuclear weapon." He referenced a social media post by Vice President JD Vance, which attributed the midterm losses to the ongoing conflict, remarking, "I know how he feels about it. I think it was fine." When pressed on the duration of the conflict, President Trump indicated it would conclude "whenever I want it to," emphasizing that it "would have to be done right."
The President also dismissed questions regarding potential changes to his cabinet, specifically rejecting the idea of replacing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. "No, I think he’s doing a very good job," President Trump affirmed. The midterm results have prompted some Republicans to openly question the future of the MAGA era and assign blame for the party's performance. When asked about the 2028 presidential race, President Trump offered a non-committal response, stating, "You don’t know who’s talking about running, maybe you’re going to have a lot of people running, maybe nobody’s going to run. Maybe he won’t run. I don’t know who is going to run."
Prior to addressing political matters, President Trump invited the press to observe the ceremonial raising of the final steel beam for the new White House ballroom. Workers had already inscribed their signatures on the beam, a tradition President Trump continued by adding his own as White House staff and construction crews applauded. He enthusiastically described the project, predicting it would be "not only one of the biggest, but it’ll be the most beautiful ballroom, I think, anywhere in the world."
President Trump elaborated on the ambitious plans for the new facility, which is designed to accommodate up to 2,500 guests. He detailed the extensive infrastructure, noting that five floors would be constructed beneath the White House to support the ballroom. A state-of-the-art kitchen, described as "top-of-the-line," will be strategically located directly beneath the ballroom, rather than on the main floor or to the side.
Security was a prominent theme during the tour. President Trump highlighted the robust defensive measures incorporated into the design, declaring the building "droneproof" and "bulletproof." He further revealed plans for over 100 drones dedicated to defense purposes. "See the thickness and size of that steel? You can land anything on that roof but it will be all drones," President Trump explained, adding, "This is the safest place in Washington. You can just sit here and just let people do whatever they want."
Turning to the interior aesthetics, President Trump previewed "magnificent columns" in the Corinthian design, which he lauded as the "creme de la creme." He described the marble as "really magnificent," sourced from a "very special vein" whose owner, he noted, "liked me and also he was so honored to be doing it for the country and the White House." He encouraged reporters to "envision chandeliers all over the ceiling, envision marble floors, this is going to be the most beautiful room," calling the ballroom "a piece of art."
The substantial project carries a $600 million price tag, which President Trump emphasized is entirely covered by private donors. "You got it free of charge, thank you very much," he stated. He drew a comparison to the Great Hall of China, expressing confidence that his ballroom would surpass it in grandeur. "Top-of-the-line, great architects," he reiterated, describing the project as "a dream for 150 years."
President Trump also reflected on his personal connection to construction, stating, "I like it, it’s good. For me it’s relaxing. I like beautiful things." He linked the ballroom project to his broader vision for the nation's capital, recalling his efforts to improve monuments and parks, such as the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, before the election. "This is the capital of our country, we have to make it beautiful and we have to make it safe," he concluded, before offering reporters a final glimpse of a helipad.
