washington — President Trump made his first appearance since the Republican administration to tout the construction of the White House Ballroom Midterm election defeatheld a celebration that contrasted sharply with his new political reality in Washington.
The president gathered reporters and construction workers inside the massive, unfinished new building, where the last steel beam will be hoisted into the ceiling. The president praised the new ballroom and nearby helipad in the White House complex as a “beautiful thing” and declared that his administration had “beautified” Washington, D.C.
“This is a special structure,” he said, surrounded by workers in hard hats, staff and reporters. “Not only will it be one of the largest ballrooms, it will be what I think is the most beautiful ballroom in the world.”
He praised the building’s architectural quality and its safety features and said presidents have wanted to build a large event space for decades but have been unable to do so. “This is the most powerful building, structurally they say the most powerful building ever built,” he said.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised Mr. Trump as “our chief builder, the greatest builder of any American president.”
“Of course, today is a day of celebration, but also a day of thanksgiving,” Burgum said.
The president signed his signature on the beam, alongside the names of workers who had worked at the ballroom for months. He wrote “Love!” 》 above his name, flanked by a golden presidential seal.
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As workers prepared to lift steel beams, reporters asked Trump if he was concerned about Washington’s plan, which is far from the top concern among voters in polls. The president acknowledged that the time and effort he devotes to various projects in the capital have been questioned, but said he found the job “relaxing” because he “loves architecture.”
“I love beautiful things, especially the White House,” he said, adding that he renovated the White House because it is “the ultimate symbol of America.”
The president took questions on a number of other topics, including Vice President J.D. Vance’s social media posts Blame Republican losses on the Iran war. The president is “basically right” in saying the war was a major factor in the Republican defeat because it drove up gas prices.
He seemed unfazed by the prospect of dealing with the Democratic majority in Congress, saying, “I’ll probably get along with the Democrats unless they want to be disruptive, but I have veto power.” He added that Democrats “have called and they want to discuss some things, which is good.”
Trump also dismissed questions that he was considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegers, insisting that the secretary of defense is doing a “very good job.” CBS News reported earlier Wednesday that the president has been asking advisers If Hegseth should go.
Workers eventually hoisted the large steel beam into place, and Trump spent several minutes shaking hands with the gathered crowd and signing souvenirs.
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