President Donald Trump drew cheers at a White House Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Wednesday after joking that “only a Hispanic” could survive a fall from the construction site of the massive new White House ballroom.

The remark came as Trump addressed guests in the East Room during the first White House Hispanic Heritage Month celebration of his second administration. During nearly an hour of remarks, the president invited attendees to get a first look at the floor of the ballroom now under construction.

“There’s a tunnel going to what I think will be the greatest ballroom ever built. It’s also a tremendous military complex with a drone port on top,” Trump said.

Trump then cautioned the crowd about venturing onto the unfinished construction site, noting the potentially dangerous drop surrounding portions of the project.

“You literally will be the first group ever to enter the premises. So be very careful. Don’t fall over the edge, because it’s a long way down,” he continued.

Trump then delivered the line that quickly attracted attention following the event.

“And only a Hispanic could survive that fall,” the president added, receiving cheers from attendees. “So, I’m not overly worried.”

The celebration was held in the East Room and featured Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the highest-ranking Hispanic official in the federal government. Rubio joined Trump during the event and addressed those in attendance.

The White House did not hold a comparable Hispanic Heritage Month gathering in 2025, although Trump issued an official proclamation marking the observance. In that proclamation, Trump praised Hispanic Americans for their contributions to the country and highlighted their commitment to faith, family and freedom.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Trump’s remarks came at a politically significant moment for Republicans, who are seeking to retain the substantial gains Trump made among Hispanic voters in the 2024 presidential election as the Nov. 3 midterms approach.

Recent polling has indicated that some of those gains have eroded. Surveys of Hispanic voters have shown increased dissatisfaction over economic issues and other concerns, adding importance to Republican efforts to maintain the support Trump received from Hispanic voters in 2024.

Trump used Wednesday’s event to appeal directly to Hispanic voters ahead of the midterms while arguing that his administration’s economic accomplishments have not been communicated effectively enough to the public.

The ballroom itself has become one of the most visible construction projects undertaken at the White House during Trump’s second term. The sprawling project is intended to provide the White House with a permanent venue capable of accommodating large state dinners, receptions and other major events that previously required temporary structures.