Trump spends 20 minutes on Reflecting Pool before midterm pitch
The president touted his renovation projects and predicted an historic election outcome on the final day before voters head to the polls.
By Adrian Kovalenko ·
President Donald Trump spent 20 minutes on Sunday discussing the restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, marking the final day before the Tuesday midterm elections. The speech focused heavily on his administration's infrastructure work in Washington, D.C., ahead of a vote that will determine control of the House and Senate.
The pool reopened following repairs that Trump said were necessary due to vandalism. He noted that the structure was damaged despite a court admission that renovations commissioned by his administration contributed to its closure. Trump stated in Iowa on Sunday that the project was "finished" and traveled to the site to showcase the completed work.
The president stood on a platform displaying signs that read "Restoring Our Capitol" and "The Reflecting Pool." A lectern behind him featured an aerial image of the water feature with the caption "Back, and more beautiful than ever!" Trump joked during his remarks that he would rename the pool after himself.
After detailing his construction projects, Trump declared that Tuesday's election could be the most important midterms "in our lifetime." He characterized his political opponents as extremists, claiming Democrats had "nominated the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history."
Public opinion polls suggest Democrats have improved their odds of winning both chambers. This shift correlates with voter concerns regarding inflation and the decision to launch a war with Iran. Trump acknowledged these challenges but argued that sitting presidents typically face a disadvantage in midterm cycles.
The president cited the state of the border and recent tax cuts as evidence of strong governance. He stated that the United States currently has its most secure borders and the largest income tax cuts in the nation's history. Trump told the crowd, "For some reason, the sitting president doesn't win the midterms. But we gave this a very strong shot."
Following the speech at the Reflecting Pool, the White House scheduled Trump to join seven additional tele-rallies throughout the afternoon and evening. These events serve as his final campaign stops before voters cast ballots on Tuesday.
