Donald Trump turned a White House Ballroom project into the main attraction after Republicans suffered major midterm defeats. Instead of addressing the party’s setbacks, he spent much of his appearance showing off his planned ballroom.
What Donald Trump said about the White House ballroom and midterm results
Donald Trump invited reporters and television cameras to the ballroom construction site Wednesday, where he praised the project at length. He described its limestone columns as “magnificent” and highlighted its 50-foot ceilings, marble floors, heavy beams, and a roof designed to withstand drone strikes. The venue will accommodate more than 300 guests and feature a military-grade bunker, according to The Guardian.
The president spent more than 20 minutes discussing the building and his wider plans to reshape parts of Washington, D.C. He also spoke about his enthusiasm for construction, making no reference to the Republican defeats that had shaken the party just a day earlier. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum added to the celebratory mood when he took the microphone. He called Wednesday “a day of celebration and a day of gratitude.”
The election results were difficult to overlook. Democrats regained control of Congress and scored victories in several gubernatorial races. Their Senate candidates also defeated Republicans in traditionally conservative states, including South Carolina, Texas, Kansas and North Carolina. Democrats even held seats in districts Republicans had redrawn to improve their chances.
Trump addressed the losses only when journalists pressed him. He suggested he could work with Democrats, but warned that it won’t work if they’re “destructive.” Pointing to his presidential veto power, he also acknowledged that the war with Iran and the resulting surge in fuel prices had hurt Republicans, though he defended the military campaign.
The president had spent months urging supporters to pretend he was on the ballot during the midterms. After the losses, however, he stressed that his name was not on the ballot. Trump also rejected the idea that voters had delivered a verdict on his presidency, insisting, “If I were on the ballot we would’ve won.”
