Trump calls son Eric 'fantastic builder' as he gives Lara tour of Oval Office

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, May 30, praised his son Eric Trump’s construction expertise while giving daughter-in-law Lara Trump a tour of ongoing White House renovation projects and recently completed upgrades.

During the interview, which aired on Fox News, Trump highlighted Eric Trump’s involvement in key aspects of the project. The president also walked Lara Trump through the White House grounds, discussed improvements to the Rose Garden area and Oval Office surroundings.

Trump credits Eric Trump for construction work

While discussing the Ballroom renovation project, Trump singled out Eric for praise, describing him as a skilled builder with a natural talent. “I have to say, Eric Trump is a really good builder. He has the gene. He has a gene that I have... he's done a great job. he's a fantastic builder,” Trump said.

The president pointed to the exceptional materials used at the site as he described the scale of the work. “He looked at this, understood it immediately. Look at the parts. Look at the amount of rebar in there. That's, you know, that's not a normal situation,” he said. “This is not what you do for a normal floor.”

During the interview, Trump reiterated that the Ballroom would serve future administrations and said it was intended as a long-term contribution to the presidential residence. He added that the project is being funded through private donations and carries an estimated cost of roughly $400 million.

Oval Office tour highlights White House upgrades

Later in the tour, Trump brought Lara Trump into the Oval Office area and described it as  “the most powerful office anywhere in the world,” he said.

Trump also highlighted changes made to the grounds surrounding the White House, including granite flooring and restoration work near the Rose Garden. “The Rose Garden was created over a century ago in 1903,” Trump said, while pointing out a plaque detailing the garden’s history. 

They also toured the presidential “Walk of Fame,” a display featuring plaques honoring former US presidents. During the walkthrough, Trump and Lara paused at plaques dedicated to former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, revisiting criticisms the president has previously directed at both men.

Referring to Biden, Trump said, “This one is Sleepy Joe Biden, and that's the auto pen, and we use that because he signed almost everything with an auto pen. He didn't sign it himself because he wasn't capable enough to do it. And it's a disgrace that that could happen to our country.”

Trump also highlighted newly installed granite paving leading to the West Wing, saying the previous stone pathway had become heavily damaged. “I replaced the stone because the stone was literally all broken,” he said, adding that visitors and officials walking to the Oval Office had previously been forced to navigate deteriorating surfaces.