Trump picks Lincoln Memorial pool for midterm speech
The president spent over 20 minutes touting the pool's renovation before shifting his focus to attack Democratic candidates.
By Isaac Medina ·
President Donald Trump selected the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., as the stage for his final major address before the November 3 midterm elections. The site is located hundreds of miles from many of the decisive House and Senate races currently in play. By choosing the pool, the president moved away from the battleground states he visited in recent weeks to rally supporters in traditionally red districts.
Trump wore a white baseball cap with the letters USA on it during the Monday evening speech. He stood in front of a poster displaying an aerial view of the waterway. The president held up large photographs of rusted pipes that were replaced during the recent renovation work. He told the crowd that the pool now looks better than it ever has. The project has faced engineering issues and algae blooms since the work began.
The speech lasted more than 20 minutes. Trump discussed the pool repairs, new grass installations, his White House helipad, and local crime statistics. He described the pool renovation as a project that should unite all Americans. The president also repeated his claims that vandalism caused the initial damage to the pool's protective coating. Critics argue the coating cracked and peeled due to rushed workmanship by top-tier contractors.
After discussing the physical improvements, Trump turned his attention to the election. He called the Democratic congressional candidates the most extreme and dangerous slate in American history. He specifically named Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed, calling him a jihadist. The president labeled other Democratic opponents as communist. He then returned to discussing planned capital projects, including a triumphal arch and a new championship-level golf course.
The choice of venue contrasts with the economic concerns dominating the campaign. Voters are focused on the cost of living, inflation, and the war in Iran. Trump has pledged tax relief and investment in domestic manufacturing to address these issues. He stated that he has kept more promises than he made, despite his campaign pledge to avoid new overseas conflicts. The president said his rallies have made a difference in the midterm race.
Vice President JD Vance campaigned in upstate New York and Ohio while Trump was in Washington. In New York's 21st District, a race that is closer than expected is underway for a seat previously won by GOP Representative Elise Stefanik by 24 percentage points. Ohio hosts competitive races for governor and the U.S. Senate. The state was won by Trump in all three recent presidential elections.
Polls indicate Democrats are in a strong position to gain the three House seats needed for control of the chamber. They have also grown more optimistic about taking the Senate, with several key races remaining tight. If Republicans keep their majorities, it will validate Trump's unorthodox campaign approach. If one or both chambers flip to Democrats, it will lead to new investigations into the president, his cabinet, and his family.
Trump said the sitting president does not usually win the midterms, but that his team has given it a strong shot. The president has long discussed his construction projects during campaign stops. These projects include a White House ballroom, a paved-over Rose Garden, and an Oval Office refurbishment. Detractors say these efforts have distracted the president from issues like high consumer prices.
