US President Donald Trump has somewhat admitted that the war in Iran was the reason behind the sweeping defeat for the Republicans in the midterm elections.
During a direct conversation with journalists, his first after the election result became clear on Wednesday, Trump made this observation while standing at the construction site of the White House ballroom.
Earlier, Vice President JD Vance, in a long statement on social media, blamed the war with Iran for the Republicans' election defeat. The US and Israel launched the air strike on Iran in February that impacted the lives of millions across the globe, especially it caused rocketing of fuel oil prices.
When Trump was asked about that comment, he said, "Mostly true. It raised fuel prices somewhat in the short term."
However, he said that when it came to the war, he would make the same decision again. He added that the cause of voters' dissatisfaction was fuel prices, not the war itself.
In a speech delivered from the White House ballroom, Trump did not talk much about politics or the midterm elections, but highlighted some of what he sees as his administration's successes.
The President said, "Zero illegal immigrants have been allowed into our country," then quickly returned to the subject of the ballroom project.
According to him, the structure, which is planned to be larger than the White House itself, will be "one of the finest buildings in Washington, D.C."
He described working on the construction as soothing.
He said, "The White House is the ultimate symbol of America. It has to be perfect."
"Every president has dreamed of having a ballroom."
He then gave a detailed description of the strength of the steel structure used in the construction and of the marble used.
Throughout the first year of his second term, Trump has placed special emphasis on the ballroom project as well as various beautification projects in Washington, D.C.
His final message before the midterm elections was from in front of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial, where he used multiple photos to show the pool's new pipes and lining.
He said, "We've made D.C. beautiful... and everyone is talking about it."
