Trump tours White House renovation projects amid stalled Iran diplomacy
President Donald Trump showcased White House construction projects, including a helipad and ballroom, during a tour with reporters.
Washington, United States. President Donald Trump on Wednesday led reporters on a tour of White House construction projects, highlighting renovations he said would modernise the historic complex and preserve it for future generations. The tour came as Iran diplomacy remained stalled, financial markets were uneasy and his Reuters/Ipsos approval rating stood at 33%, tied for its lowest point.
Renovation projects
The former real estate developer spent about 30 minutes guiding reporters across the South Lawn, pointing to a new granite helipad, a $400 million ballroom and other planned improvements.
“This building was falling apart. It’s falling apart – like buying a building in New York City that’s in bad shape and putting it back together. That’s what I used to do. I did it better than anybody, I think,” Trump said.
Trump has devoted much of his second term to remaking Washington and the White House. He has said the building had been allowed to deteriorate for decades and has remained committed to presenting himself as the president who restored it.
Ballroom challenge
Some projects, particularly the ballroom, have faced criticism and legal challenges. Trump asked the US Supreme Court on Friday to allow construction to proceed after an appeals court said further work would require congressional approval.
Helipad and landscaping
Trump began the tour on a section of driveway that had been asphalt for decades and had been replaced with granite.
He then led reporters through a gap in a fence to the site of a new circular helipad, which he said was being donated by Sikorsky, the company that makes the Marine One helicopters used by presidents. Trump said the helipad was needed because exhaust from new helicopters had scorched the grass.
Trump said The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company was donating new grass for the lawn.
“They actually contributed to my campaign,” he said.
He also pointed to a nearby flagpole he had erected as part of the wider makeover.
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