US President Donald Trump was heckled during a campaign rally in Corinth, Mississippi, after defending his controversial White House renovations, including the construction of a new ballroom. The protester shouted, "Shove that ballroom up your fat a**!" interrupting Trump's speech as he campaigned for Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith ahead of the US midterm elections.
The incident took place on Monday, October 26, when Trump was addressing supporters in the Republican stronghold. Security personnel escorted the heckler out of the venue as members of the audience booed him and others responded with chants of "USA! USA!"
Trump reacted to the interruption by telling the protester to "go home" several times. He also claimed, without providing evidence, that the man was a paid protester who received $250 and suggested that billionaire George Soros could be behind the alleged payments.
"They think it's Soros. And they ruin their lives because now they get booked," Trump said, referring to the consequences of disrupting his rally. His remarks did not establish that the protester had been arrested or charged.
Trump defends White House ballroom amid criticism
The heckling came shortly after Trump defended his renovation projects at the White House, which have attracted criticism over their cost, design and impact on the historic presidential residence.
Trump has repeatedly defended the proposed ballroom, arguing that the White House needs a larger venue to host major events and foreign dignitaries. The project is planned to cover approximately 90,000 square feet and accommodate around 650 people, according to the White House.
The development involves the demolition of the White House's East Wing, which has sparked objections from critics concerned about preserving the historic building. Trump has maintained that the renovations are necessary to improve the presidential residence and its facilities.
During the Mississippi rally, Trump spent several minutes defending the changes, saying that repairing and improving the White House was something he enjoyed. He also argued that the building required maintenance and restoration.
The ballroom project has faced legal scrutiny as well. In August 2026, a federal appeals court ruled that congressional approval was required for its construction, adding to the controversy surrounding the project.
Barack Obama's remarks add to ballroom controversy
Trump's defence of the renovations followed criticism from former US President Barack Obama, who recently mocked the changes Trump has made to the White House.
Obama joked that the residence looked as though "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory," taking aim at the gold-coloured decorations and Trump's focus on renovations.
Trump rejected the criticism and defended his efforts to improve the building, arguing that previous administrations had neglected maintenance issues.
The controversy has also become a political talking point ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, with Democratic candidates using Trump's renovation projects to question his priorities amid concerns about living costs and the economy.
Trump was in Mississippi to campaign for Hyde-Smith, whose Senate race has drawn increased attention. During the rally, he criticised her Democratic opponent, Scott Colom, while seeking to strengthen Republican support ahead of the elections.
The heckling incident added to the scrutiny surrounding Trump's White House renovation plans, which continue to generate debate over historic preservation, public priorities and the president's use of his time in office.
