00:02One day after Republicans lost control of Congress, President Trump turned his attention
00:06to a different project — his new White House Ballroom.
00:10On Wednesday, Trump invited reporters to the White House for a look at the construction
00:15and to mark a milestone — the final steel beam going into place.
00:19Trump signed the beam before workers hoisted it into position as the crowd cheered.
00:24He also defended the project, which has drawn criticism over the demolition of the White
00:29House's historic East Wing.
00:31Trump says the building needed major work, and he argues the renovations are about preserving
00:36the White House as a symbol of America.
00:38Take a listen.
00:39But I will tell you that right now it's flawless, and it's beautiful, and you know, when I get
00:44criticized like, why are you working on the White House, I'm doing it because the White
00:50House is the ultimate symbol of America, and it's got to be pristine, it's got to be perfect.
00:57And if you take a look at it, that's what it is right now.
01:00You have no idea how much work we had to do.
01:02Trump also took questions about the election and acknowledged that the war in Iran played
01:06a major role in Republican losses, particularly because of higher gas prices.
01:11But he stood by his decision to go to war, saying he'd do it again.
