Trump Showcases White House Ballroom Progress, Blames Iran for Midterms
President Trump highlights White House restoration efforts and comments on midterm losses, citing Iran’s impact on gas prices.
2 min read
President Donald Trump made his first public appearance since the midterm elections on Wednesday, showcasing the progress on the White House ballroom project and raising the final beam in the ballroom’s roof. The event took place in the East Wing of the White House, where Trump praised the construction work and hinted at an upcoming official opening.
Trump Touts White House Restoration
Speaking to construction workers, Trump emphasized the significance of the ballroom, calling it one of the biggest and most beautiful in the world. He noted that efforts to create such a space had been ongoing for 150 years.
“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,” Trump said. He also signed a steel beam adorned with two presidential seals, underscoring his focus on restoring the White House as a symbol of American pride.
Iran and Gas Prices: A Point of Contention
When asked about the impact of his administration’s conflict with Iran on the midterm election results, Trump conceded that the situation had affected gasoline prices. “I think it’s largely true because it drove the gasoline up a little bit short-term,” he told reporters.
Despite acknowledging the short-term effects, Trump maintained that the long-term strategy against Iran remains necessary. “If I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again because long term it’s the only answer. You can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Republican Leadership Uncertain
Trump also addressed the race to choose new Republican leadership in the House, stating that the party would stay out of the process. He clarified that he had not asked Speaker Mike Johnson to step down, despite Johnson’s decision not to run for re-election.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan are both seen as potential candidates for the position of Minority Leader. GOP members of the chamber reportedly plan to hold elections next week.
Source: OANN
