Donald Trump appeared slightly inattentive during a recent Oval Office press briefing after cameras picked up notes that didn’t seem meant for public view.
The president was speaking to reporters at the White House after signing an executive order instructing federal agencies to review how mail-in ballots are handled in elections.
Trump has often expressed opposition to widespread mail voting. Still, during the briefing, focus also turned to another issue—a judge’s ruling to pause construction of a proposed $400 million White House ballroom, which had been a major part of his plans.
Online, many users—especially on Reddit—began speculating about what was written on the notes Trump was holding. Some believed they summarized remarks from U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who had issued a decision earlier that week regarding the ballroom project.
One user wrote, “There was a ruling against it today, so that would make sense.”
Judge Leon’s order stopped any further demolition or building work at the site, permitting only necessary measures to ensure safety and security at the White House and protect those there.
He stressed that while the president acts as a steward of the White House for future generations, he does not own it personally.
Some commenters also joked that Trump might want to avoid using a thick marker next time, since it likely made the notes easier to read on camera.
Despite the decision, the Trump administration has already submitted an appeal, even though parts of the East Wing had already been removed as part of the project.
During the same briefing, Trump highlighted his newly signed executive order aimed at shaping how elections are conducted across the United States.
“It’s about voter integrity,” he said. “We want fair and honest elections, because without that, you don’t really have a nation.”
Standing beside him, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that although states manage elections, any use of the U.S. Postal Service would involve a standardized approach.
“If states choose to use mail voting, each ballot will be assigned a specific code from the Postal Service, ensuring one envelope per vote,” Lutnick explained.
