Trump boasts White House ballroom after Republican wipeout in midterms

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday turned the spotlight on the construction of his under-construction White House ballroom during his first public appearance after Republicans suffered sweeping losses in the midterm elections, spending much of the event showcasing his renovation projects rather than addressing the party's electoral setback. Trump assembled reporters and construction workers at the unfinished structure as the final steel beam was prepared to be hoisted into the ballroom's roof. He praised the project's design, construction quality and security features, describing the planned addition as one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the world. "This is a special structure. 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 was quoted as saying by CBS News. According to Reuters, Trump defended his focus on the construction work, saying the White House was the "ultimate symbol of America" and needed to be maintained to the highest standards. "When I get criticized, like, 'Why are you working on the White House?' I'm doing it because the White House is the ultimate symbol of America, and it's got to be pristine, it's got to be perfect. For me it's relaxing," he said. Trump also spoke about plans to install Corinthian columns inside the ballroom and said marble had been ordered for its flooring. He further highlighted other projects, including a new White House helipad, a proposed Garden of American Heroes along the Potomac River and plans for an 18-hole championship golf course at East Potomac Park, the New York Post reported. The president signed his name on the final steel beam, adding the word "Love!" before workers raised it into position.

While Trump eventually addressed the election results, he rejected the idea that he was responsible for the Republican Party's poor performance. Democrats made significant gains in both chambers of Congress, securing control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, Trump acknowledged that the US war with Iran, which contributed to higher energy prices and inflation, played a role in the Republican setback. "I think it's largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term," he said, agreeing with Vice President JD Vance's assessment of the election outcome. Trump, however, defended the military campaign, saying he would make the same decision again because Iran could not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. He also appeared unfazed by the prospect of dealing with Democratic majorities in Congress, saying he expected to get along with them unless they chose to be "destructive". "But I have the power of the veto," he added.