Fox News host Jesse Watters has shared a revealing anecdote about former President Donald Trump's motivations for constructing an extravagant new ballroom, framing it as a "monument to myself." The story was told during a speech at the Turning Point USA's AmericaFest event in Phoenix, Arizona, over the weekend.
A Lavish Ballroom as a Personal Monument
Watters described a recent dinner with Trump at the White House, where they ate Mexican food. According to Watters, the former president asked if he wanted to see the plans for his "big, beautiful ballroom." Upon viewing the designs, Watters was struck by the scale, noting the ballroom was "four times the size of the White House."
Watters recounted Trump's explanation for the grandiose project: "Jesse, it's a monument. I'm building a monument to myself because no one else will." The audience at the conservative gathering responded with laughter to this candid admission.
A Pattern of Seeking Recognition
This revelation aligns with a longstanding pattern of Trump attaching his name to properties and seeking lasting recognition. His brand already marks numerous global buildings, though he does not own all of them. The desire for a self-built monument comes as his allies push to rename existing national landmarks in his honour.
Earlier in December, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—all appointed by Trump—had voted "unanimously" to change the institution's name to the "Trump-Kennedy Center." The original name was established in 1964 to honour President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in November 1963.
Legal Hurdles and Historical Precedent
However, such a renaming faces significant legal obstacles. As reported by NBC News, federal law prohibits changing the name of the Kennedy Center without congressional approval. This legal barrier mirrors other symbolic efforts by Trump supporters, such as past calls to add his likeness to Mount Rushmore, which are more about political signalling than practical reality.
The juxtaposition of Trump planning a personal architectural monument while his supporters attempt to rebrand an existing presidential memorial highlights ongoing efforts to cement his legacy. The story, shared from a stage at a major conservative youth conference, underscores how Trump's persona and pursuit of recognition remain central themes for his base.
