Trump pushes ballroom as GOP loses House and Senate seats
The president defends the Iran conflict and vows to use vetoes against the new Democratic-led Congress.
By Giulia Donovan ·
President Donald Trump spent Wednesday at the White House discussing the unfinished East Wing ballroom. He said the structure will serve the country for many years. This focus came as Democrats secured control of the House and gained seats in the Senate during the 2026 midterms.
Counties were still tabulating ballots when Trump addressed reporters. He noted that Democrats won at least seven Senate seats and 28 House seats. Fellow Republicans are blaming his policies for the losses. Vice President JD Vance wrote on social media that the war was the reason for the defeat.
Vance has opposed the conflict with Iran since it began. Trump agreed with that assessment while standing in the construction site. He said the war drove gasoline prices up slightly in the short term. Trump added that he would make the same decision again to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
The president said his supporters still have tremendous love for him. In post-election interviews, he stated he is willing to accept the results and work with congressional Democrats. He plans to use his veto power to block Democratic legislation. He said this strategy will force the new majority to negotiate with the White House.
The White House has not announced a specific schedule for the ballroom's completion. Trump continued to tout the project despite the election results. The new Congress is expected to convene in January.
