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Trump admin live updates: Trump, Schumer trade barbs over Senate nominations

The Senate voted on some of Trump's nominations before the August recess.

Last Updated: August 3, 2025, 9:44 PM EDT

The Senate on Saturday considered some of President Donald Trump's nominations before the August recess.

Earlier this week, Trump issued an executive order slapping tariffs on many of America's trading partners but the new duties are set to go into effect in seven days.

Trump also continues to face questions over his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and his relationship with the accused sex trafficker.

Jul 31, 2025, 4:49 PM EDT

Trump talks new White House ballroom: 'It'll be beautiful'

Trump was asked to discuss the new ballroom that is being constructed at the White House. The project will cost $200 million, which Trump said he is paying along with some donors.

"We've been planning it for a long time," Trump said. "They've wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years."

"I'm good at building things. And we'll get it built quickly and on time. It'll be beautiful," Trump added.

The White House earlier Thursday released artist renderings of what the ballroom will look like. Construction will start this fall and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it will be complete before Trump's term is up.

Jul 31, 2025, 1:56 PM EDT

White House says Trump 'committed' to protecting Social Security after Bessent comments

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked to clarify what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meant when he said the new so-called Trump savings accounts for newborns could be a "back door" to start privatizing Social Security.

Bessent has since tried to walk the comments back.

"What the secretary of treasury was saying, and what this administration believes, is that these Trump newborn accounts, which is an incredibly creative and great provision that was in the one big, beautiful bill for newborn babies and families and future generations of Americans, will help supplement not substitute Social Security," Leavitt said.

"The Trump administration is wholeheartedly committed to protecting Social Security. The president did it in his first term. He's doing it again in this term. But these newborn accounts are another revenue stream for young people, to watch their money grow throughout their lives and to one day be able to access those funds so they can hopefully build a home and live the American dream," she added.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, July 31, 2025, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Jul 31, 2025, 1:52 PM EDT

Indian trade minister vows to protect 'national interest' over tariffs

Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal addressed Indian Parliament Thursday over President Donald Trump's tariffs and vowed to "take all necessary steps to secure and advance our national interest."

"In an increasingly protectionist world, India has done mutually beneficial trade agreements with UAE, UK , Australia and AFTA countries. We are also committed to similar trade agreements with other countries. We are consistently working for the welfare of the farmers and Indian agriculture to promote prosperity and ensure food security," he added.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Jul 31, 2025, 1:44 PM EDT

Leavitt announces White House ballroom construction to begin in September

The White House press secretary announced Thursday that construction will begin soon on the White House ballroom.

The addition will be 90,000 square feet.

Karoline Leavitt said construction will be done "long before" Trump's term is done.

Leavitt said Trump and unidentified donors would be paying for the $200 million addition.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, July 31, 2025, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP

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