Trump touts 'magnificent' ballroom in first remarks after midterm drubbing

Less than 24 hours after the US Republican party suffered a historic rout in the midterm elections, Donald Trump held a press conference at the White House to praise his team. In a 20-minute speech, he touted the "magnificent" features of a construction project - the White House ballroom - boasting of its limestone columns, 50ft-high ceilings, capacity for over 300 guests, thick marble floors and military-grade bunker.

The president did not once mention the "blue wave" Democrats claimed was sweeping the country, as they retook control of the US Congress.

During the press conference, the only reference to the political fallout came when Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, declared the day to be "a day of celebration and a day of gratitude". Only when Trump fielded questions from reporters did he address his party's poor performance, seemingly unbothered by the Democrats' sweeping victory. He claimed he would likely be able to cooperate with the Democrats, but noted his veto power.

Trump admitted the Iran war may have helped Democrats, citing its effect on fuel prices, but insisted the conflict was worth it. The Democrats took control of both houses of Congress and won several gubernatorial races across the nation. Even in states that were historically Republican, Democrats secured victories. In districts that were gerrymandered to favor Republicans, thanks to Trump's influence, Democrats still managed to hold onto their seats.

Despite urging supporters to overlook his loss in the electoral college, Trump quickly pointed out he was not on the ballot.

This election was widely seen as a referendum on Trump and his policies. Nonetheless, Trump appeared at the site of his planned ballroom, mirroring his final campaign address at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he detailed proposed changes to the pool, surrounding grass and granite. Throughout the campaign, Trump had frequently shifted attention to his various construction projects across Washington DC, including the ballroom, refurbished Reflecting Pool, a triumphal arch, statue cleaning and a new White House helipad.

However, Americans remained frustrated with Trump's presidency, blaming his economic policies and war with Iran for driving up living costs. But Trump maintained Tuesday's election results were not a rejection of him personally. "Look, if I were on the ballot we would've won," he asserted.