WH in-town pool report #9 - dinner

POTUS entered the Benjamin Franklin ballroom at the State Department at 7:40 p.m.

The president got a two-minute standing ovation as the song “God bless the USA” played. POTUS then sat down at his table, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick came to say hello.

Secretary Marco Rubio and Ric Grenell gave the opening remarks. Grenell told the crowd that POTUS “saved the Kennedy Center” and said the center “just brought in $23 million for the Kennedy Center Honors tomorrow.”

POTUS took the stage at 7:53 p.m.

Trump talked about renovations at the Kennedy Center and the White House.

“We’re bringing the White House back, room by room,” he said. Later he compared the renovations as “saving the heritage of our country.”

Trump said renovations have included replacing flooring with marble, adding “the marble job is going to cost $59 million.” (Please check if this was for WH ballroom or Kennedy Center)

In his remarks, POTUS also talked about Washington being “safe again,” sending troops to New Orleans, border security and the White House being the backdrop of the UFC.

The president praised the Kennedy Center honorees in the room: Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Sylvester Stallone and George Strait.

“Tomorrow me pay tribute to them magnificently,” Trump said. He said he was a “true fan” of them.

Other attendees of note included: Monica Crowley, Steven and Katie Miller and Tiffany Trump.

There were about 200 people in the ballroom.

POTUS wrapped up his remarks at 8:31 p.m.and pool was ushered out of the room.

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Ana Ceballos

Washington Correspondent, Los Angeles Times

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