Trump gives Xi a tour of his pet White House building projects, including the ballroom

Property developer Donald Trump, now president of the United States, showed Chinese leader Xi Jinping around various construction projects at the White House on Thursday. This tour seemed to be an attempt to demonstrate Trump's building ambitions since their last meeting in China in May. The Oval Office was the first stop, where they had their talks before heading to the South Lawn.

A newly completed granite helipad, valued at $5 million, was on display. This helicopter landing area was accompanied by just two interpreters and featured a video of the two presidents talking near the aircraft, which bore the inscription "United States of America". Xi showed interest in the granite, commenting that he was "an expert on stone".

Later, the two leaders toured a construction site where the new ballroom is being built. Trump has been actively promoting the transformation of the White House during his second term, including the demolition of the East Wing last year to make way for the 8,360 square meter ballroom.