Overview

• He watched workers install the new flagpoles and later saluted as the first flag was raised
• The two masts stand on the North and South Lawns and represent the most prominent exterior alteration since his January return
• He claimed the structures are the best available and highlighted deeper foundations and an internal pulley system to reduce noise
• Each mast cost $50,000, which the president said he paid for personally
• The unveiling coincided with rising tensions between Israel and Iran, underscoring a contrast between presidential symbolism and global security challenges