Trump: At the White House Congressional Ball, promises economic growth and togetherness
Trump: As he praised economic successes, trade policies, and bipartisan legislative movement at a black-tie event in the Cross Hall on Thursday night, US President Donald Trump adopted a conciliatory tone at the annual White House Congressional Ball, welcome Democrats alongside Republicans.
Shortly after 8 p.m., the celebration began, with attendees in ball gowns and tuxedos packing the Cross Hall to capacity, leaving little space for movement. While legislators and spouses waited for the president to arrive, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance stood just inside the door while the President’s Own Marine Band performed close to the front entrance.
Fifteen minutes later, behind the portraits of former Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ascended the Grand Staircase. The First Lady stood at the stage next to Trump, who seemed invigorated by the throng.
Trump made a point of thanking the Democratic members present in his opening comments. He drew amusement from the audience when he said, “I see some faces that are friendly, but they could be friendlier.” Afterwards, he described it as “a tremendous tribute that so many Democrats have joined us today, at a high level.”
Trump used the opportunity to review a long-standing White House goal, pointing out that for over a century, administrations had tried to construct a huge ballroom. They have been attempting to create a ballroom for 150 years. He promised that the project could be finished in around a year and a half. “They never got it off, but we got it all,” he stated.
He also recalled going to a number of Christmas events, claiming that demand was far higher than available space. Trump described the turnout as “a very good feeling,” saying that “eight people are turned down for every one that makes it.”
Regarding the economy, Trump said that the US has received “$18 trillion plus” in investments during the previous ten months, implying that the amount would increase by the end of the year. In comparison, he said that the previous government had reported “less than 1 trillion over four years.” In addition, he mentioned growing salaries and multiple stock market highs, stating that “real wages are up for the typical worker by more than $1,000 a year.”
At least for tonight, the president asked MPs to put an end to their party disputes. Therefore, we will put aside our political disagreements tonight. We will not be critical of one another. We’re going to get together because we love one other,” he said.
Trump proceeded to name out a number of congressional leaders, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. Trump recalled Scalise’s 2017 gunshot, saying that Scalise’s wife “was devastated” and that doctors “thought he wasn’t going to make it.” He spoke about Scalise’s recuperation and noted that it was “a miracle” that he was able to play second base in a congressional baseball game.
He also joked that Minnesota House Majority Whip Tom Emmer was “very friendly with the Somalians,” which caused several people to chuckle. He also said, “You are a difficult man.”
Regarding trade, Trump reiterated his assertion that the government deficit has significantly decreased as a result of tariffs. He claimed that more Americans were working than ever before and added, “The tariffs have reduced the deficit by 64 percent.”
Melania Trump’s “Take It Down” Act, which he claimed passed with almost universal approval, had bipartisan support, according to Trump. In a short speech, the First Lady thanked the MPs for their support and said that she would be pursuing another legislative idea.
The President and First Lady did not interact with visitors after wrapping up their comments and went back up the stairs to the mansion.
A long-standing White House custom, the Congressional Ball brings together politicians, administration officials, and their families for the Christmas and New Year holidays. In an often divisive political calendar, it frequently acts as a rare instance of enforced politeness.