The week began with President Donald Trump’s meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and concluded with a trip to Asia. Meanwhile, back home, the White House began building its new ballroom, sparking controversy among many Democrats.
Trump stated that construction commenced on Monday and that private funds would cover the project’s costs. The estimated cost is $300 million, an increase from the initial $200 million estimate released in July when the project was first revealed.
“For over 150 years, every President has envisioned having a Ballroom at the White House to host guests for lavish parties, State Visits, and similar occasions. I am proud to be the first President to finally initiate this much-needed project, at no expense to the American Taxpayer!” Trump declared in a social media update. “The White House Ballroom is being funded privately by numerous generous Patriots, Prominent American Businesses, and, indeed, myself. This Ballroom will be enjoyed by Generations to come!”
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Despite this, the project has been met with criticism due to the complete demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing. This wing has historically served as the White House’s main entrance and is designated as the first lady’s space.
On Monday, Trump suggested that he intends to accelerate the provision of nuclear submarines to Australia under the trilateral agreement between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., which aims to strengthen Australia’s submarine capabilities to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The agreement, known as AUKUS, specifies that the U.S. will sell up to five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, with deliveries expected to begin as early as 2032. The agreement also outlines that Australia and the U.K. will collaborate on building additional attack submarines for Australia’s fleet.
However, Trump informed reporters that he is considering providing Australia with the submarines sooner, in response to a question about his interest in expediting the process.
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“Yes, we are already working on it, and we are moving very, very fast,” Trump told reporters on Monday.
However, Trump also expressed his belief that the deal was unnecessary to undermine China.
“I don’t believe we’re going to need it,” Trump stated regarding the trilateral agreement. “I believe we’ll be just fine with China. China has no desire for that. To begin with, the United States is by far the strongest military power in the world. It’s not even close. We possess the finest equipment and the best of everything, and nobody will dare to challenge that. I don’t anticipate any issues with President Xi.”
In the meantime, Trump departed for Asia on Friday, where he is scheduled to meet with Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The meeting takes place amidst ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations, which intensified when Beijing announced on Oct. 9 that it would impose export controls on rare-earth magnets. These magnets are used in a wide range of products, from electric cars to F-35 fighter jets.
Consequently, Trump announced that the U.S. would impose a new 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, set to take effect on Nov. 1.
However, Trump has sought to ease tensions and has consistently spoken positively about his relationship with Xi in recent weeks. Additionally, he has expressed his belief that an agreement will be reached between the two countries.
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“I am confident that we will achieve a very positive outcome, and everyone will be very pleased,” Trump stated on Thursday.
Trump and Xi have not met in person since Trump assumed office in January. Their most recent meeting occurred in Japan in June 2019.
Trump will also visit Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea during the trip.
Trump also met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, immediately after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and after canceling a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump stated that he did not want a “pointless meeting” with Putin in Hungary, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that Trump did not see sufficient progress toward peace from Russia.
“We have canceled the meeting with President Putin,” Trump informed reporters in the Oval Office alongside Rutte on Wednesday. “It simply didn’t feel appropriate to me. It didn’t seem like we would achieve the necessary progress. Therefore, I canceled it. However, we will reschedule it in the future.”
