Donald Trump has joked about leaving office in 'eight or nine years' so he can use his new ballroom at the White House. Speaking at a small business summit, the president said: 'When I get out of office in, let's say, eight or nine years from now, I'll be able to use it. I'll be able to use it myself,' referencing the ballroom under construction.
This is not the first time Trump has issued what appears to be a direct challenge to the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms. In a phone call with NBC News last spring, he said, 'I am not joking,' when asked to clarify a remark about seeking another term, adding: 'There are methods which you could do it.'
Steel Donation from Europe
The 'joke' comes as a European steel company has gifted 600 tonnes of steel to help build Trump's ballroom in Washington, D.C. ArcelorMittal, a Luxembourg-based steelmaker, confirmed it donated the materials for the historic project. Chief financial officer Genuino Christino said: 'As you know, we have a track record of both supplying strong, high-quality steels to U.S. customers and donating steel to iconic buildings and projects around the world that showcase its strength and flexibility. We are pleased to add the White House to the list of iconic American buildings where our steel will stand strong for years to come.'
The donation is likely to anger American companies, which Trump said he would support as he moved to impose tariffs on other countries. Still, the president has pushed to build his historic ballroom, even citing the need for it after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' dinner. 'What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and, for different reasons, every President for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE,' he wrote.
Political Support and Controversy
The MAGA machine revved into full gear. Disgraced former mayor and disbarred lawyer Rudy Giuliani urged 'haters' to support the ballroom; far-right political activist and conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec declared himself grateful Trump was building one. A Florida congressman announced a 'Build the Ballroom Act,' and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert said she was drafting legislation.
The $400 million project began in October after the shock destruction of the historic East Wing. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'All I am doing is fixing, cleaning, running, and 'sprucing up' a terribly maintained, for many years, Building.' He explained there would be a 'drone-proof roof,' as well as 'air-handling systems' and 'biodefense all over.'
Trump also said the ballroom was needed to host large events for world leaders and other guests, and that a ballroom tent was not sufficient because of how wet the grass gets. Last month, it was revealed that Trump is hoping to replace the White House Ionic columns with Corinthian ones – his latest bid to transform the home into more of a Trump-esque 'palace.' Trump also placed gold gilded accents in the Oval Office, including new, heavy gold font signs similar to those in Mar-a-Lago. The Trump-appointed head of the federal arts commission has proposed replacing the four columns with the Corinthian style, which is on the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court buildings.
