Donald Trump would rather talk decor than discuss the White House’s budgeting standoff. Almost a week into the stalemate between lawmakers, the president faced the press, where he was asked about the threat of increased furlough and terminations.

Congress failed to reach an agreement on a stopgap government spending measure by Oct. 1. As a result, there has been a lapse in government funding despite Trump’s attempt to downplay the matter with unimportant topics.

U.S. President Donald Trump listens to a question from a reporter in the Oval Office of the White House on Sept. 30. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

On Sunday, Oct. 5, Trump fielded questions from the media on the White House South Lawn.

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When asked when his administration would begin firing federal employees, he responded, “It’s taking place right now. It’s all because of the Democrats. The Democrats are causing the loss of a lot of jobs with the shutdown. It’s their shutdown, not our shutdown.”

Before reporters could probe for more commentary on the urgent matter, Trump attempted to divert their attention to his ongoing beautification projects at the White House. “I hope everybody likes what’s the Presidential Walk of Fame. You know that? Have you seen it? It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Presidential Walk of Fame,” he remarked.

The walkway outside the West Wing once had white, empty walls. Now, the corridor showcases portraits of past presidents in gold frames, sans Joe Biden, who is represented by his autopen signature. Other makeovers ordered by Trump include the construction of a 90,000 square-foot ballroom and a UFC octagon for a proposed June 14 fight.

He also approved the paving of the Rose Garden to house a Mar-a-Lago-style patio, and the overhaul of the Oval Office with gaudy gold touches throughout.

However, Trump’s attempt to quell concern about the shutdown backfired online. “Nobody cares about your presidential walk of fame. People need jobs, affordable healthcare, affordable housing, lower groceries prices, and peace amongst all people,” snapped a non-Trump supporter.

A second user snarked, “He isn’t capable of eloquently answering anymore. His brain is in cognitive decline. He can give a rambling incoherent speech, regurgitate very simple talking points or golf.”

A third said, “He can’t hold a thought more than a minute,” referring to his cognitive issues. But some believe this is Trump’s normal behavior, “That’s the only thing he does well is DEFLECT!!!!”

During his first term, the federal budget deadlock last for 35 days — from December 2018 to January 2019 — amid Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion to fund a steel U.S.-Mexico border wall to thwart illegal immigration.

By now, most people have grown accustomed to Trump’s trademark deflection tactics. When faced with tough or uncomfortable questions, he rarely offers a direct answer—instead, he pivots to unrelated topics, delivers a boast about himself, or throws out a jab to change the tone of the conversation. What might derail most politicians has become a familiar pattern for Trump, who often turns serious discussions into spectacle.

Hence why, when pressed about his ties to the passing of a notable political activist last month, the former reality star veered off course to talk about White House renovations—another classic move of “Trump Being Trump” while keeping the spotlight squarely on himself.

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