Trump pivots from Iran war update to gush about White House ballroom at Medal of Honor ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Monday, March 2, moved swiftly from discussing ongoing US military operations in Iran to touting construction of a new ballroom at the White House during a Medal of Honor ceremony.

Speaking at the start of the event, Trump provided an update on Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign that began early Saturday, February 28, and resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump shifts conversation from Iran to White House ballroom

“Today the United States military continues to carry out large-scale combat operations in Iran to eliminate the great threats posed to America by this terrible terrorist regime,” Trump said.

He criticized former President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear agreement, calling it “horrible, horrible, dangerous.”

Trump said operations in Iran were “ahead of schedule,” before thanking US service members involved in the campaign.

“But please join me in thanking every American service member who bravely is standing in harm’s way,” he said.

Moments later, the president shifted to discuss renovations at the White House, including construction of what he described as a “very, very beautiful building” connected to the East Wing that will house a ballroom.

“We are adding on to that building a little bit. We are improving the building,” Trump said, pointing to drapes behind him. “In about a year-and-a-half from now, you’re going to see a very, very beautiful building.”

Trump said the ballroom project would cost “$400 million or less” and would be funded privately.

“Not a penny to the taxpayer,” he said, adding that it would be “under budget, ahead of schedule.”

He joked about the noise from construction equipment operating from early morning until late evening.

“When you hear all that hammering out there, you will know why the first lady is not thrilled, exactly,” Trump said, recounting that the pile drivers operate “from 6:00 in the morning until 11:30 in the evening.” He said he enjoyed the sound, calling it “a beautiful sound,” while noting that his wife was less enthusiastic.

“It will be the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world,” Trump said, adding that he had “built many a ballroom.”

After discussing the project for several minutes, Trump returned to the purpose of the ceremony, saying it was time “to recognize the unsurpassed courage of three really incredible

American heroes, one living and two no longer with us.”

The Medal of Honor ceremony had been scheduled before the weekend military operation.