“We’re gonna open those doors, and you’ll be the first people of consequence to ever step on the new ballroom floor. So that’ll be exciting,” Trump told attendees, Anadolu Agency reported.
Emphasizing the significance of the occasion, Trump added: “You’ll be the first ones. The Hispanics will be the first.”
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Trump said he was pleased to host the celebration at the White House, telling guests: “I’m thrilled to have you at the White House celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.”
He also described aspects of the construction project, saying a tunnel would lead to what he called “the greatest ballroom ever built.”
Trump said the broader development would include a military component and a drone facility on top of the structure.
“There’s a tunnel going to what will be, I think, the greatest ballroom ever built,” he said. “It’s also a tremendous military complex with a drone port on top.”
Trump told attendees they would be the first group to enter the premises and jokingly cautioned them to be careful around the construction.
“So be very careful. Don’t fall over the edge because it’s a long way down,” he said.
During the event, Trump also praised Hispanic Americans, describing them as hardworking, intelligent and energetic.
“You’re not supposed to generalize, but I do. You’re hard-working people, you’re smart as hell, you’re energetic — sometimes too energetic,” he said.
Trump announced plans for the 90,000-square-foot (8,361-square-meter) ballroom last year. The project has been estimated to cost $400 million.
