Donald Trump used his first public appearance since Democrats captured control of both chambers of Congress to showcase the White House ballroom he is building.
The president largely avoided discussing the devastating midterm results, which have put his political legacy under renewed pressure. Instead, on Wednesday morning, he invited reporters to view construction of the $600 million project.
Only hours earlier, Trump had acknowledged that the war with Iran and surging gasoline prices helped drive the Republicans’ sweeping defeat.
As Republicans blamed Trump for losses across the country and questioned whether the MAGA movement was losing momentum, he ceremonially signed a steel beam intended for what he called the world’s most “beautiful” ballroom.
Trump welcomed the press to the construction site and spent much of the event describing the progress of his White House renovation projects.
“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,” he said.
Behind Trump stood a massive steel beam covered with workers’ signatures. It was being positioned as the final major beam incorporated into the structure.
He added his own signature before a group of White House staff members and construction workers applauded.
President Donald Trump emerged from the White House after a bruising election night for Republicans
Trump speaks at the construction site of the East Wing ballroom at the White House
The appearance continued a focus on Washington landmarks and construction that Trump began the day before the election, when he highlighted improvements to monuments and parks near the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
“This is the capital of our country. We have to make it beautiful and we have to make it safe,” he said.
Trump said the work was personally satisfying as he pursued his vision of a more impressive White House complex.
“I like it, it’s good. For me it’s relaxing,” he said. “I like beautiful things.”
He previewed what he described as “magnificent columns,” saying the Corinthian-style features would be the “crème de la crème” of the design.
As workers hoisted the final steel beam into place, Trump led reporters through the structure and offered a running commentary on the construction.
“Envision chandeliers all over the ceiling, envision marble floors. This is going to be the most beautiful room,” he said, calling the ballroom “a piece of art.”
“See the thickness and size of that steel? You can land anything on that roof, but it will be all drones,” Trump added.
He described the building as both “droneproof” and “bulletproof.”
“This is the safest place in Washington,” Trump said. “You can just sit here and just let people do whatever they want.”
According to Trump, the ballroom will accommodate as many as 2,500 guests and include five floors of infrastructure beneath the White House.
“This has been a dream for 150 years,” he said, adding that more than 100 drones would be included for defensive purposes.
Trump also reflected on his identity as a builder, describing construction as a central part of his personal history.
RELATED: Mississippi Senate Race Remains Toss-Up With Fewer Than 100 Votes
He praised the marble as “really magnificent,” saying it had been cut from an especially rare vein that its owner had closely guarded.
“He liked me, and he was also so honored to be doing it for the country and the White House,” Trump said.
Trump said the ballroom’s kitchen would be located beneath the main structure rather than on the primary floor or along one of its sides.
Trump signs a steel beam while speaking at the construction site of the East Wing ballroom
Workers lift the final large steel beam into the ceiling of the White House ballroom
“It’s going to be top of the line,” he said.
“You got it free of charge, thank you very much,” Trump added, referring to the private donors funding the project.
He recalled visiting the Great Hall of China and said his own project would be even more ambitious.
“Top of the line, great architects,” he said.
After the construction tour, Trump turned to the election results and answered questions from reporters.
He said it was “largely true” that the war with Iran contributed to Republican losses in the midterms, while defending his decision to launch the conflict.
“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.”
Trump said he was aware of Vice President JD Vance’s social media post attributing the Republican defeat in part to the war.
“I know how he feels about it. I think it was fine,” Trump said.
He declined to offer a clear view on who might seek the presidency in 2028.
“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.”
Trump said he would end the war “whenever I want it to,” but added that any conclusion would “have to be done right.”
He also rejected reports that he was considering replacing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following the election.
“No, I think he’s doing a very good job,” Trump said.
Before leaving, Trump offered to extend the tour to other upgrades underway across the White House grounds.
“Bring the cameras over, let me show you the helipad,” he said.
Which U.S. president best reflects your political views?
