By Fatma Younis
Less than 24 hours after Republicans suffered historic losses in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, President Donald Trump held a press event at the White House ballroom construction site to praise the project’s features.
Ballroom details dominate appearance
Standing amid the construction, Trump spent more than 20 minutes describing the ballroom’s “magnificent” limestone columns, 50-foot ceilings, capacity for over 300 guests, heavy beams, “drone-proof” roof, thick marble floors and a military-grade bunker. He suggested the venue would open soon and spoke at length about his enthusiasm for construction projects across Washington, D.C.
Election losses go unmentioned initially
Trump did not address the Democratic “blue wave” that flipped the House and Senate, nor the defeat of dozens of Trump-endorsed candidates in competitive Senate, House and gubernatorial races. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declared the day “a day of celebration and a day of gratitude.”
President downplays referendum on his agenda
When questioned, Trump acknowledged the war with Iran likely hurt Republicans by raising fuel prices but insisted the conflict was worth it. He claimed voters were not rejecting him, asserting, “If I were on the ballot we would’ve won.” The midterms were widely seen as a referendum on his presidency.
