Trump’s Midterm Finale Centers on the Troubled Reflecting Pool

Trump’s election-eve appearance at the Reflecting Pool marked a departure from his monthlong campaign swing, which included 28 rallies across 19 states. Instead of making a final trip to a competitive state, he spoke in Washington about the pool’s renovation and other construction projects he has pursued in the capital.

Trump’s Final Midterm Pitch Spotlights a Costly Pool Renovation

With control of Congress at stake, Trump devoted much of his final campaign-night address beside the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to a renovation that ran months late and cost more than ten times his initial estimate. The pool was drained again after algae appeared and its new lining began peeling; the National Park Service had extended the closure through November 20.

Rather than use his final day to campaign in another competitive state, Trump focused on the project and other construction in Washington. His choice underscored how central his capital renovations have become, despite the pool’s troubled history and the political embarrassment of the failed work.

Trump also promoted his administration’s economic record and accused Democratic candidates of supporting a radical agenda. He made false claims about some Democrats being jihadists or Muslim Brotherhood members. He said Republicans had made a strong effort, while acknowledging that the president’s party usually loses midterm elections.

The speech came after a 28-rally campaign swing across 19 states. Trump urged supporters to turn out, but his final pitch gave substantial attention to a renovation he had initially promised would be quick and inexpensive.

Trump Makes His Case for Republicans Before Midterm Vote

On the eve of Election Day, Trump used his final major speech to argue that Republican voters must turn out if the party is to win. He touted tax cuts, border enforcement, oil and gas production, exports and what he described as record employment and personal incomes.

Trump said Democrats had nominated an extreme slate of candidates and accused them of favoring higher taxes, restrictions on guns, expanded immigration and limits on oil and natural gas. He said Republicans had given the election a strong effort, while noting that the president’s party typically struggles in midterms.

The president delivered the speech beside the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where he highlighted its renovation and other projects in Washington. The work had taken longer and cost substantially more than his initial estimates. After algae formed and sections of the coating peeled, the pool was drained again; the National Park Service extended the closure through November 20.

Trump’s address followed a campaign tour of 28 rallies in 19 states. He said supporters who had backed him in the previous election could deliver Republicans a decisive victory if they voted.