President Donald Trump held an impromptu news conference on Monday morning against the backdrop of the White House's proposed ballroom construction. He spoke about the ballroom, Iran, Cuba, the Kentucky congressional race, and a new reflecting lake he hopes to inaugurate before July 4.
Ballroom Construction and Donor Funding
While showing reporters the progress of the ballroom construction, Trump stated, "This is all my money and donor's money. This is tax free." He described the ballroom as a gift to the country, noting, "It goes down deep and it's titanium, which is the strongest of all of the metals, much stronger than steel." He added that incidents like those at the White House correspondents' dinner could not occur there.
Foreign Policy Remarks: Cuba and Iran
Trump answered questions on US foreign policy regarding Cuba while holding a large photo of the planned ballroom. "Look, Cuba is calling us. They need help. Cuba is a failed nation," he said. On Iran, amid the sounds of construction, Trump said he agreed to give Iran "maybe until early next week" to reach a deal with the US. "I won't let the world be blown up on my watch," he remarked concerning Iran's nuclear program.
Kentucky Congressman and Texas Endorsement
After discussing Thomas Massie, the Republican candidate opposing Trump's endorsed candidate in Kentucky, Trump called Massie "the worst congressman" and said he is "not even Republican." Trump then announced he would endorse a candidate in the Texas senate race later that afternoon. "There are those that say whoever I endorse will win," he said. "But I don't like to say that, I don't like to brag."
