Washington (United States) (AFP) – “Imagine chandeliers everywhere”: rather than analyzing on Wednesday the global humiliation that voters have just inflicted on him, Donald Trump found refuge in his ballroom.
Published on: 04/11/2026 - 23:33
Summoned unexpectedly, the journalists were taken to the former real estate developer on the site of the monumental extension he is building at the White House, for his first public appearance after the "midterms".
Under the pretext of paying tribute to the workers, the octogenarian billionaire, unconcerned by the mockery of his opponents about his mental health, offered himself an escape into this other reality that he has inhabited since his return to power, that of cranes, gilding and marble.
“You can put as many helicopters as you want on the roof,” said Donald Trump, microphone in hand, without being bothered by the poor sound quality.
Between two Larsens, he talked about future glass walls that would be bulletproof and drone-proof, even “small missiles,” according to him: “It’s that thick,” he said, spreading his hands, “but the vision is perfect.”
“Incredible,” added the Republican president, rarely as animated as when he comments in the smallest details on his multiple construction or renovation companies.
“Love!”
He signed a massive beam in front of the goals, before it was installed at the top of the building.
Above his signature Donald Trump, to whom even his fiercest detractors recognize a keen sense of diversion, added: “Love!”
“Look how the beam goes up,” he said, between questions about the disastrous midterm elections.
The Americans inflicted a historic sanction on the president and his party on Tuesday, by electing Democrats en masse even in conservative strongholds such as Kansas and Texas, to positions of senators, governors or local parliaments.
But on Wednesday, Donald Trump did not really want to talk about the war in Iran which is costing him control of Congress, nor the 2028 presidential election, in which he will not run, nor a possible impeachment procedure.
He only did so when pressed by journalists, and while continuing to wander around the construction site.
“Imagine the chandeliers everywhere, imagine the marble floor,” said the 80-year-old billionaire, looking inspired, to photographers and reporters.
Regarding the marble, cut according to him in a “special vein”, he assured: “The owner of the quarry did not want to sell it”. “But he liked me.”
Donald Trump, who claims an innate talent for architecture, also discussed the location chosen for the kitchens of the building, intended to host receptions and gala dinners.
“Party Day”
The ballroom, built on the site of a wing that the Republican razed, must be completed before he leaves power in 2028.
The project is denounced by its adversaries as the perfect illustration of the president's megalomaniacal tendencies and the excesses of his mandate, because it was launched without any consultation, with a very opaque financing structure.
The Republican president sees it as a guarantee that he will be remembered lastingly, if not discreetly, in the memory of Americans once he leaves the White House.
He took advantage of the site visit on Wednesday to talk about his next project, an arch in Washington inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but obviously “bigger” and “more beautiful”.
Invited to speak, the minister in charge of regional planning was careful not to upset Donald Trump's mood, even if it meant further amplifying the impression of disconnection of the moment.
The day after an electoral sanction that exceeded the Democrats' most optimistic forecasts, Doug Burgum began his short speech by saying: "Today is, obviously, a day of celebration and a day of gratitude."
© 2026 AFP
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