Washington, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX)—At the annual White House Congressional Ball, President Donald Trump adopted a friendly tone, extending a warm welcome to both Democrats and Republicans while highlighting the nation’s economic progress, trade strategies, and bipartisan legislative successes during a formal gathering in the Cross Hall. The ceremony kicked off just after eight o’clock, with the room packed to its brim of tuxed‑off guests and gowns, leaving scant space to shuffle. The President’s Own Marine Band played close to the entrance, and Vice President J.D. Vance alongside Second Lady Usha Vance stood inside the doorway, while lawmakers and spouses waited for the President’s entrance.
About fifteen minutes later, Trump and First Lady Melania descended the grand staircase below portraits of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. The President seemed energized by the audience, and Melania stood beside him at the podium.
In his opening remarks, Trump directly acknowledged the Democrats present. “I see some faces that are friendly, but they could be friendlier,” he said, earning a laugh from the crowd. He later called it “a tremendous tribute that so many Democrats have joined us today, at a high level.”
Trump used the setting to revisit a long‑standing White House goal: building a ballroom that had eluded leaders for over a century. “For 150 years, they’ve been trying to do a ballroom. They never got it off, but we got it all,” he said, promising the new room could be finished in roughly a year and a half. He also recounted holiday gatherings that far outpaced capacity. “Eleven people are turned down for every one that makes it,” he added, calling the turnout “a very good feeling.”
Turning to the economy, Trump claimed that the country had seen “$18 trillion plus” in investment over the past ten months, suggesting the figure could rise even more by year’s end. He contrasted this with the previous administration, which he said had accrued “less than 1 trillion over four years.” He mentioned repeated stock‑market highs and rising wages, noting that “real wages are up for the typical worker by more than $1,000 a year.”
The President urged lawmakers to let the partisan rivalry rest for the evening. “So tonight we are going to set aside all political differences. We’re not going to criticize each other. We love each other, and we’re going to come together,” he said.
He singled out several congressional leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Recalling Scalise’s 2017 shooting, Trump observed that doctors “thought he wasn’t going to make it,” adding that “Scalise’s wife was devastated.” He then highlighted Scalise’s recovery and the moment he later played second base in a congressional baseball game, calling it “a miracle.”
He also mentioned House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, joking “You are a difficult man,” before adding that Emmer was “very friendly with the Somalians,” prompting brief laughter.
On trade, Trump reiterated that tariffs had sharply cut the federal deficit. “The tariffs have reduced the deficit by 64 percent,” he reported, while also claiming that more Americans were employed than ever before.
Trump highlighted bipartisan support for Melania Trump’s “Take It Down” Act, noting it passed with near‑unanimous backing. The First Lady briefly addressed attendees, thanking lawmakers and hinting at another legislative effort she plans to pursue.
After the remarks, the President and First Lady retraced the staircase back to the residence, not mingling with guests.
The Congressional Ball remains an enduring White House custom during the holiday season, drawing lawmakers, administration officials, and their families together. It often provides a rare moment of forced civility amid a politically polarized year.
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