Donald Trump faced questions about his party’s disappointing midterm election results during his first public appearance since Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress. But instead of discussing his enormous political setback, he once again discussed the construction of his opulent ballroom, according to NBC News.
Trump spoke to construction workers at the site where the White House’s former East Wing stood before its demolition to make way for the ballroom. He described the project as a long-awaited addition to the presidential residence and said he had invited the media because workers were installing the final piece of steel.
“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, and they’ve been trying to get it for 150 years,” Trump said. He also suggested that the building’s “official opening” could happen in the near future.
He briefly talks about the election losses
When reporters eventually asked about the election results, Trump offered only limited comments. Democrats have regained control of both the House and Senate, including victories in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Texas. Asked about the race to replace House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had decided not to run again, Trump said he would stay out of the contest. He also denied asking Johnson to step down.
The president was more willing to discuss Vice President JD Vance’s explanation for the Republican losses. Vance had suggested that the war with Iran contributed to the party’s poor performance, and Trump largely agreed with that assessment.
“I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short term,” Trump said. However, he defended the military action, arguing that Iran could not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. “At the same time, if I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again because long term it’s the only answer,” he added.
Trump then returned to discussing the ballroom, signing a steel beam destined for the construction project. The beam was decorated with two gold presidential seals, and the president defended his focus on renovations by arguing that the White House should represent the country at its best.
“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,” he said. Trump also praised the materials being used, particularly the marble selected for the ballroom floor, and promised that the finished walls would feature plenty of glass.
Trump first announced the ballroom plans in July 2025 and has repeatedly promoted the project during public appearances, including events unrelated to construction. However, the development has faced legal challenges. The Supreme Court said in late August that construction could continue indefinitely.
Trump’s focus on the renovations was also evident during his final pre-election speech on Monday. Speaking in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, he spent much of the address highlighting changes he had ordered around Washington, D.C., rather than the impending elections.
Published: Nov 5, 2026 05:00 am