Forget the midterm ballots. Trump is back to ballrooms.

In the wake of the recent midterm elections, where Republicans suffered significant losses, President Donald Trump has turned his attention back to familiar ground: D.C. construction projects. Despite the voters' strong rebuke of the administration, the president remains committed to transforming the nation's capital in his own image.

On Wednesday, Trump held an unscheduled press conference at the White House to update reporters on the progress of the East Wing ballroom's construction. This marks his first public remarks to the White House press pool since the election. During the event, Trump primarily focused on architectural plans for various D.C. locations, including a proposed Triumphal Arch, the National Garden of American Heroes, and an expansion of a publicly owned golf course that might eliminate existing paths for running and biking.

The president defended his construction activities, stating that he is doing them because the White House is the ultimate symbol of America and should be pristine. He also mentioned that he dedicates very little time to these projects, finding the work relaxing and expressing his love for construction.

Democrats performed exceptionally well in the midterms, gaining control of the Senate and the House, as well as several state governments and legislatures. In Texas, a state traditionally dominated by Republicans, Democrats secured a governor's mansion, a Senate seat, and now control the state House.

Despite these setbacks, the White House maintains that Trump's dedication to restoring and beautifying the nation's landmarks should be celebrated and does not detract from his commitment to addressing issues like lowering costs, strengthening the economy, and improving the lives of American families. The White House spokesperson also emphasized Trump's focus on enhancing national security, reshoring manufacturing, and bolstering energy independence.

During his Wednesday speech, Trump briefly touched upon immigration policies and efforts to reduce crime in D.C. He also fielded questions from reporters, in which he reiterated that Republicans would have won if he had been on the ballot.