Trump pitches midterms at pool reopening
The president campaigned at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Monday, framing Tuesday's vote as decisive for national control.
By Christopher Singh ·
President Donald Trump declared the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool "finished" during a campaign speech on Monday. He used the reopening of the structure to deliver his final major pitch to voters before the midterm elections scheduled for Tuesday.
The president stood on a platform decorated with signs reading "Restoring Our Capitol" and "The Reflecting Pool." A lectern behind him displayed an aerial photograph of the pool with the caption "Back, and more beautiful than ever!" The event marked the completion of repairs to the water feature.
Trump spent approximately 20 minutes discussing his construction projects in Washington, D.C. He characterized the upcoming Tuesday vote as potentially the most important midterm election in the nation's lifetime. During the address, he joked that he would rename the Reflecting Pool after himself.
The president contrasted his administration's record with the performance of his political opponents. He claimed that Democratic nominees represented the "most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history." Trump also stated that the United States currently has its most secure borders and the largest income tax cuts in its history.
He acknowledged a historical trend where sitting presidents often face losses in midterm cycles. "For some reason, the sitting president doesn't win the midterms," he said. "But we gave this a very strong shot." The White House noted that Democrats have seen their chances of winning control of the House and Senate improve due to public frustration over inflation and the decision to launch the Iran war.
The speech took place the day before the final weekend of campaigning. Trump had previously stated in Iowa on Sunday that the trip to the pool was intended to show how beautiful the site had become. The location was chosen to visually demonstrate the completion of the troubled renovation project.
Following the remarks at the pool, the president was scheduled to participate in seven additional tele-rallies throughout the afternoon and evening. The campaign activity serves as the final public push before voters head to the polls to determine control of both chambers of Congress.
