Trump discusses succession, safety, White House ballroom in TV interview

In a NewsNation interview, Trump praised potential Republican successors, downplayed personal security concerns, and defended plans for a new White House Ballroom to host large indoor events.

Reuters

22 January 2026 at 09:14:50

Trump discusses succession, safety, White House ballroom in TV interview

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks prior to a bilateral meeting with Switzerland's Federal President Guy Parmelin, Switzerland's Economy Minister Federal councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Switzerland's Foreign Minister Federal councillor Ignazio Cassis, in Congress Centre, on the sideline of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Laurent Gillieron/Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump discussed topics ranging from succession, personal safety and the White House ballroom, in the second part of a wide-ranging interview with media outlet NewsNation which aired late on Wednesday (January 21).

Asked about Republicans who could carry on his legacy, Trump praised the work of several members in his cabinet including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Trump dismissed concerns about personal safety, saying he does not worry about himself or his family and credited the Secret Service and military with keeping him secure.

When asked about the construction of a new, privately-funded White House Ballroom, Trump cited the lack of a large indoor space, calling outdoor event tents on the lawn vulnerable to rain and “a disaster”.

Production: Kokkai Ng/Reuters