Trump says White House construction noise ‘makes me happy,’ jokes Melania ‘doesn’t love it’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joked about ongoing construction noise at the White House while responding to a reporter’s question, offering a lighthearted moment during a recent exchange.

His remarks came as he also highlighted progress on a major ballroom project currently underway at the White House. 

Trump jokes construction sounds makes him happy

During an interaction with Peter Doocy, Trump was asked whether construction activity ever disturbed him. The President said the sounds from the construction site did not bother him, even as he acknowledged that his wife Melania Trump was less enthusiastic.

Trump said, “It makes me happy...my wife doesn't love it."

"I love the sound of concrete, I love the sound of pile drivers, " he further added.

The president’s response drew attention for its humorous tone, as he appeared to embrace the disruption while contrasting it with Melania Trump’s reaction. The exchange added a lighter moment to an otherwise routine press interaction at the White House.

Trump talks about White House ballroom project

Earlier while speaking during a Black History Month reception on February 18, Trump also addressed the ongoing ballroom construction project, which has been in development for several months.

“This is a nice full room. You know, we have a ballroom being built right now,” he said while addressing attendees in the East Room.

Trump noted that the annual reception has consistently reached capacity during his presidency. “It has been ever since I've been President. Every year, it's been sold out. So, a lot of great friends,” he said, emphasizing the demand for a larger event space.

The president said the new ballroom would significantly increase the White House’s capacity to host large gatherings.

“We'll be able to have about, I'd say, ten times the number. You can invite some friends that couldn't make it today because, frankly, this was a sold-out crowd,” Trump said.

He also described the planned design and entryway, offering a glimpse into the project’s layout. “See that curtain? You open that curtain, and it's a beautiful funnel right into the most beautiful ballroom. It's being built right now. So, it's pretty.”

Trump further noted that the idea of constructing a ballroom at the White House had been discussed for decades. “And they wanted it for 150 years. We're getting it done a lot. We're getting a lot of other things done, too,” he added.

The proposed ballroom, described as a 90,000-square-foot addition, is planned for the site of the demolished East Wing. The project has attracted attention following the release of new renderings included in a 31-page report submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts.