Trump cancels August vacation in New Jersey to work on Russia-Ukraine

White House Press Secretary Leavitt said Trump skipped his usual vacation, considering working from Bedminster for a few weeks but ultimately deciding not to

The White House on Tuesday said President Donald Trump called off his traditional summer vacation in northern New Jersey due to the ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the president's decision.

This is normally the time when the president goes on vacation, but not this president, Leavitt said, adding that there were discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks but he decided against it.

Bedminster is the location of his club in northern New Jersey, where Trump often goes for weekends. He also spent some stretches of time in August there for vacation during his first term.

The comments from Leavitt came when the White House took a portion of the day's press pool out to the renovated Rose Garden as the president tested out the area's new speakers.

Earlier, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted footage showing off new speakers installed as part of Trump's makeover of the White House's Rose Garden.

One of Trump's favourite songs, Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA, blares in the video, over a shot showing patio-style tables shielded by yellow umbrellas. The shot later focuses in on an American flag overhead.

Leavitt subsequently brought reporters to the Rose Garden and said Trump was controlling the playlist as crews tested the speakers for what will be the best event in the history of the White House.

She said the next party there will be hopefully soon.

Other songs being played included Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. The music was loud enough to be heard in other parts of the White House.