President Trump pointed to China’s lavish state facilities as fresh justification for his planned White House ballroom, saying the United States should have a grand venue of its own after visiting Beijing this week.

Just hours after departing China aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump praised the ongoing construction of the massive ballroom project in a Truth Social post, comparing it to the enormous ceremonial hall used by Chinese leaders in Beijing.

“China has a Ballroom, and so should the U.S.A.!” Trump wrote alongside a photograph showing him standing with Chinese President Xi Jinping outside the Great Hall of the People, the sprawling government complex near Tiananmen Square where the Chinese government hosted a formal state banquet in his honor.

Trump said the planned White House ballroom is progressing quickly and predicted it would become unmatched in the country.

“under construction, ahead of schedule, and will be the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the U.S.A.” He added: “Thank you for all the support I have been given in getting this project going. Scheduled opening will be around September of 2028.”

The president’s remarks came after a fast-paced three-day visit to China, his first trip there since 2017. During the visit, Trump received an elaborate welcome ceremony, attended an upscale state dinner, toured a centuries-old temple, and held multiple meetings with Xi.

The formal banquet Thursday evening featured members of Trump’s inner circle and administration, including Elon Musk, Eric Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio was seen admiring the towering chandeliers inside the Great Hall of the People as Chinese officials rolled out an extravagant evening for the American delegation.

Guests were served lobster, pork dishes, and tiramisu, while a Chinese military orchestra performed “Y.M.C.A.,” one of Trump’s favorite songs.

Addressing attendees during the banquet, Trump praised the reception he received in China.

“great honor” to visit China, adding that he received a “magnificent welcome like no other.”

Trump also extended an invitation to Xi — whom he called “my friend” — to travel to Washington in September.

The president highlighted cultural ties between the two nations and noted the popularity of each country’s exports and traditions abroad.

“Just as many Chinese now love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast foods chains in the United States all combined — that’s a pretty big statement,” he said.

Xi, speaking after Trump, described the visit as “historic” and urged the world’s two largest powers to cooperate rather than clash.

He called on both nations to be “partners rather than rivals,” adding, “We must make it work.”

Behind closed doors, the leaders discussed several major international issues, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump later told Fox News that Xi expressed willingness to help broker a resolution and that both leaders agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

Taiwan also emerged as a topic during the talks, with Xi warning Trump that mishandling the issue could create “an extremely dangerous situation.”

According to the White House, the discussions additionally focused on trade matters and joint efforts to stop fentanyl from entering the United States.

{Matzav.com}